A book review by A.L. Pfleider
THE other day, I finished a short book entitled “The Greatest Salesman in the World” written by Og Mandino. I was expecting a handbook on how to balance assets and liabilities. I never expected it to lead me on a spiritual awakening. The protagonist named Hafid carries the title of the book. He exchanges goods all across the Middle-East. His days are numbered though, so he is looking for someone to inherit “the secret of the scrolls” that he has lived by his entire life. These scrolls are what led him to be “the greatest salesman.” When you read about his youth, you find out that he was a simple camel boy. He was working under the “greatest salesman” during that time, Pathros. By some act of faith Pathros passed the scrolls down to Hafid so he could pursue his ambitions.
What are these scrolls then? They are ten leather-bound dogmas on how to improve your life and your character. If you follow what is written in them, you will achieve all your goals.
The scroll marked I
– Today I begin a new life.
This scroll talks about how this is a new beginning for you. A new life now that you have a new ambition. How the path you are taking is full of opportunities but balanced with the same amount of failure and heartbreak. How the way to succeed in this new life is to develop good habits and make them as natural to you as breathing. For us this could be like our “New Year’s Resolution” if you may. Every new day when you decide to change or develop something is the start of your new life.
The scroll marked II
– I will greet each day with love in my heart.
Love and appreciate every little thing around you whether it is good or bad. Love being alive for when you have love in your heart, other people will feel it too. Why are we moved by most children in their innocence? It is because they greet everything with love. The smallest blessing makes them glow and other people feel that glow.
The scroll marked III
– I will persist until I succeed.
Every day you are alive you get tested of your willingness to persevere in spite of pain and suffering. If you persist you will succeed. Never allow the day to end with a failure. Just like when you apply for a job. The first few tries may not work out, but that doesn’t mean you should resort to just staying at home and drowning your sorrows in vices. Trying again and looking for other options is already a victory.
The scroll marked IV
-I am nature’s greatest miracle.
Nobody can walk or talk or think exactly like you. Therefore, you must not try to imitate others, either. You are a rare creature, in all your skills and flaws. Though it may be hard to feel sometimes, you have a purpose. You have a purpose because you are alive. Never look back on regrets because each day is a new life.
The scroll marked V
– I will live this day as if it is my last.
Why cry over yesterday’s happenings or fret over tomorrow’s problems? You are alive NOW, so be thankful for the now you have. Some people had a yesterday but were not able to experience “today.” Sometimes you tend to regret little mistakes or worry about superficial things for the next day. You take for granted the pleasant things and the loved ones who here now. If you live for “today” regrets and worry will fade.
The scroll marked VI
– Today I will be master of my emotions
Your emotions rise and fall like the sun and the tides. It is constant and can be extreme like the different forces of nature. Unlike the creatures of nature that depend on the weather to flourish, you as a human can make your own weather. If you bring gloom others will feel gloom. If you bring brightness others will feel brightness. You must always be self-aware and not fall into extremes.
The scroll marked VII
– I will laugh at the world.
Man is the only creature that can truly laugh. Therefore, you must laugh at yourself. Even though you are nature’s greatest miracle you still don’t know much about yourself or your purpose. Isn’t that comical? Never think so highly of yourself that you forget how to laugh at yourself. Remember, “this too shall pass,” so why not poke some humor at it while it’s here?
The scroll marked VIII
– Today I will multiply my value a hundredfold.
Man can make wonderful things out of everyday objects. How much more do you think you could achieve if you worked on yourself? You can do this by setting goals for yourself for the day, the week, the month and the year. This can also connect to “living each day as if it was your last.” Every day you must strive to achieve something. No matter how simple.
The scroll marked IX
– I will act now.
All the dreams, goals and plans you have are worthless if not accompanied by action. It is the fuel of success. Procrastination comes from fear, therefore you must act without hesitation. That is how you can get rid of the fear. Grab every little opportunity that presents itself, or seek it out if you have to. Remember, this is the time and the place. You must act now.
The scroll marked X
– Don’t forget to seek guidance when it is needed.
There will always be days when you get caught in a tight spot and seek guidance. No matter how much you have achieved from practicing what the previous scrolls say, never forget that there will be days you will get stuck, even feel despair. On those days, pray for guidance. Try to retrace your steps and seek help if needed. Nobody can achieve everything by themselves.
So that’s it, the contents of the scrolls are steps on how to harness your inner strengths. It’s applicable to salesmen but also to teachers, store workers, parents, even a simple adolescent. Anyone who wants to unlock their full potential. You don’t have to dedicate yourself to a monasterial life of celibacy though. Like the contents of scroll VIII set little goals for yourself every day. Today I will apply for a promotion, today I will eat more healthy food, today I will reconnect with a loved one, today I will not spend too much time on Social Media. These are baby steps on the way to become the best version of yourself.
In the end Hafid does find a successor. A name that is familiar to all of us. As for the identity of that person, you will have to read the book to find out./PN
