“The Greatest Salesman in The World” by Og Mandino- Mini Book Review!

So I know I always say this about the books I read but, I’ll just start by saying….THE GREATEST SALESMAN IN THE WORLD BY OG MANDINO IS ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING UPLIFTING AND LIFE CHANGING BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ!!!

I mean, I was absolutely mind blown by how amazing a little book of less than 150 pages could be (sometimes I just think to myself in wonder at the awesomeness that can be found within the front and back pages of a book). When we first selected the book at The Readers’ Hub Book Club’s Maiden Meet (you can learn more about that here), I was a little skeptical because the title of the book gave me the impression that the book might just apply to salesmen…but boy was I wrong!

So jumping right into it, the book was written by Og Mandino and published first in 1968. It has 18 amazing chapters and the author basically shares ten principles from ten scrolls which he believes are the keys to philosophy, success and happiness. Although the  book is set in ancient times and was written in 1968, it presents so many lessons and principles which are applicable to us now…oh, and it’s not just for salesmen or people interested in selling goods or products. Any individual can learn so so much from this book.

In my mini review, I would carefully resist the urge to go in depth into the plot or the story line of the book. The book does present interesting characters and an interesting plot. In fact, the end of the book had me saying “WOW!…WOW!…WOW!” I was literally jumping out of my bed when I finished reading the book, so plot wise, you’re good to go.

The scrolls presented in the thick of the plot of the book are:

• Scroll I – I will Form Good Habits and Become their Slave
• Scroll II – I will Greet Each Day With Love In My Heart

  

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• Scroll III – I will Persist Until I Succeed

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• Scroll IV – I am Nature’s Greatest Miracle
• Scroll V – I will Live Each Day as if it Were My Last
• Scroll VI – I will be Master of My Emotions

  

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• Scroll VII – I will Laugh at The World
• Scroll VIII – I will Multiply My Value Every Day
• Scroll IX – I will Act Now

  

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• Scroll X – I will Pray to God for Guidance

As much as I would want to, I cannot share what I learned from all of the scrolls and principles but I can share a little on two that really touched me that I shared at the monthly book club meet. They are: I am Nature’s Greatest Miracle and I will Act Now.

On “I am Nature’s Greatest Miracle”, I was reminded that I am special and unique in my own way. I was also reminded that I need not waste so much efforts and vain attempts at trying to be what I am not or trying to compare myself to who I am not. We all have out strengths, weaknesses, potentials and different character flaws. It was also really refreshing to be reminded that I was conceived in love and am on earth for a particular and special purpose and that i was not here by mistake. I was urged from the book to not just sit back, relax and pat myself on the back for today or yesterday’s accomplishments, but instead to work hard for tomorrow. I was reminded that of 7 billion people on the planet, there is no one exactly like me.

On “I Will Act Now”, my take home from the book was that some times in life we get so excited about the new things we learn or the visions, dreams and goals we have but then fear or procrastination creeps in and then what seemed like we would start on that dream or vision in 2 days seems to be taking a year to start. A year goes by in a blink and five in two blinks (obviously not literally, but you get what I mean). The scroll emphasised acting now and not being prone to procrastination or fear. It also emphasised the fact that “Action is the food and drink which will nourish my success”. I share some of my favourite quotes from the scroll below:

“Henceforth, I will remember the lesson of the firefly who gives off its light only when it is on the wing, only when it is in action. I will become a firefly and even in the day my  glow will be seen in spite of the sun. Let others be as butterflies who preen their wings yet depend on the charity of a flower for life. I will be as the firefly and my light will brighten the world.”

“Only action determines my value in the market place and to multiply my value I will multiply my actions. I will walk where the failure fears to walk. I will work when the failure seeks rest. I will talk when the failure remains silent. I will call on ten who can buy my goods while the failure makes grand plans to call on one. I will say it is done before the failure says it is too late.”

“Success will not wait. If I delay she will become betrothed to another and lost to me forever. This is the time. This is the place. I am the man.”

It was an absolutely amazing time discussing and hearing others discuss their views, perspectives and take homes from the book at The Readers’ Hub Monthly Book Club Meet yesterday, Almost everyone loved the book and couldn’t wait to start putting all that was learned into practice.

If you’re an avid book reader but feel you have issues with reading such as reading commitments or “no time” or maybe you’re concerned about certain books being too long, then this is the perfect book for you. Really! Depending on the size of the book you buy (some are in larger sizes or bigger print than the others), the pages of the book are roughly about 111-120 pages. Basically, if you chose to dedicate 3-4 hours on a weekend, you could finish the book.

If you’re a hard copy baby like me, go out there and grab yourself a copy! Trust me, you would not regret in the least bit! It’s available in book stores all over. If on the other hand, you can do with reading a soft copy, I have attached one here (the download should start automatically once you click on the link) for you. Thank me later.

I recommend this amazing and life-changing book a million times over!

Have a great Saturday!