The Greatest Salesman in the World
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4.2 • 12 Ratings
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
“This book was seminal in my life. I wouldn’t be living the life I’m living if it didn’t find me.”—Matthew McConaughey
Ten ancient scrolls reveal priceless wisdom for changing your life in this evergreen classic with more than five million copies in print.
A timeless fable with profoundly modern lessons, The Greatest Salesman in the World is both a road map to salesmanship and a heartfelt tale that redefines the meaning of success.
As a young camel boy in Jerusalem, Hafid dreams of becoming more. Witnessing the great empires of tradesmanship that others have grown, he desires to do the same—to become not only a salesman, but the greatest salesman in the world. Desperate to prove himself, he approaches the best merchant he knows, who sets him an impossible task—a task that takes him on an unforgettable journey involving a red cloak, a barn in Bethlehem, and ten scrolls that will change his life.
Each scroll touches upon perennially valuable lessons: persisting against the odds, mastering emotions, embracing joy, and creating good habits. Through the story of Hafid and his ten scrolls, The Greatest Salesman in the World guides readers through a philosophy for getting the most out of life—starting right now.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
This career-oriented self-help parable argues that work is a means to not just wealth, but to wisdom. In the framing story, set in the ancient Middle East, a poor young orphan named Hafid is taken in by a rich businessman, who gives him 10 ancient scrolls filled with wisdom. Hafid receives explicit instructions to read the first short scroll three times a day for 30 days, then do the same for the second, and so on. (That takes about 10 months.) No matter how you read these 10 brief lessons, such as “Greet each day with love in your heart” and “Master your emotions,” they’re solid advice that turns Hafid into an insightful merchant with riches and jewels—and also a man of action who has learned patience, persistence, purpose, and generosity. Originally published in 1968 by New Hampshire insurance agent Og Mandino, The Greatest Salesman in the World is, at heart, a meditative updating of the can-do positivity of Dale Carnegie. Its charming storyline and thoughtful aphorisms are useful even if you’re not planning a career in sales.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This is a sequel to Mandino's 1967 bestselling parable about Hafid, a camel boy who happened upon a young couple and their shivering infant. Carrying a red cloak, which his master had instructed him to sell, ok?he generously wrapped it around the child, who was the infant Jesus. Impressed by this generous gesture, Hafid's master gave him scrolls containing 10 straightforward principles for achieving personal and professional success. Part two begins as aging Hafid of Damascus, now the greatest salesman in the world, languishes after the death of his "loving woman.'' To rejuvenate himself, Hafid undertakes a speaking tour to enlighten others about the 10 principles. During this journey, Hafid learns that the man he gave the scrolls, Jesus' apostle Paul, lost them in a shipwreck. Just before he dies, Hafid goes to hallowed Mt. Hermon, where God addressed Jesus, and creates new scrolls for posterity. At this point, Mandino explains each of the 10 rules in simple, reasonable prose. Among other things, he exhorts his disciples to eschew self-pity, establish goals, behave amiably and actively seek new opportunities. While his inspirational message is banal, the author communicates so lucidly and persuasively that those who enjoyed his first book will undoubtedly find this one equally appealing. Major ad/promo; author tour.
