Customer Reviews: Read 153 more reviews...
 exceptional June 15, 2008
This is one of my all time favorite books. It is required reading for my children (we home school; the book is appropriate for jr. high and up).
It is encouraging and urges one forward in life as well as career.
Good deal May 27, 2008
It arrived timely, in good condition as claimed, good value, the things that matter most
Enjoyable, Easy Read, Motivational May 18, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The first book I have read by Og Mandino, THE GREATEST SALESMAN IN THE WORLD, is a delightful little book on self-improvement. It is a classic, and many self-help authors will borrow the wisdom, principles, and themes in the book.
The story begins with Hafid, who overseas the largest multinational trade empire in the civilized world. He possesses scrolls that contain principles that he applied in his life to become the "greatest salesman in the world." The story is uplifting, interesting and moving and briefly shows Hafid's rise from a camel boy to the "greatest salesman in the world." The idea is that we, as Hafid, can become the "greatest salesman in the world" if we diligently, consistently, and rigorously apply the principles contained in the scrolls. You want to remind yourself of these principles, apply them until they become habits.
The principle of persistence:
"I was not delivered in this world in defeat, nor does failure course in my veins. I am not a sheep waiting to be prodded by my shephard. I am a lion and refuse to talk, to walk, to sleep with the sheep. I will hear not those who weep and complain, for their disease is contagious. Let them join the sheep. The slaughterhouse of failure is not my destiny." Moreover, "nor will I allow yesterday's success to lull me into today's complacency, for this is the great foundation of failure."
The idea we are "nature's greatest miracle," and I quote:
"Within me burns a flame which has been passed from generations uncounted and its heat is a constant irritation to my spirit to become better than I am, and I will. I will fan this flame of dissatisfaction and proclaim my uniqueness to the world." The idea is that you are unique, and you must utilize your own uniqueness to achieve success. Copying others' uniqueness can only get you so far. You, your uniqueness as a person, is an advantage you must use.
Other principles and ideas include but are not limited to controlling one's emotions, enjoying each day as if it were your last, remembering to laugh at yourself, and being a person of action.
THE GREATEST SALESMAN IN THE WORLD is a small, easy-to-read book but is vast in its simple wisdom. It is definitely worthwhile reading, especially if you are in the grind of your career, educational program, small business, and so forth and need something small, easy-to-read but also inspiring.
 Salesman May 6, 2008
This is a nice short, quick read with a feel good ending. There is nothing spectacular or new about the philosophy found in the book, but it is the kind of good-heartedness that sometimes can use a little reminder.
Timeless April 29, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Mandino's short, powerful story of a journey toward achieving success is a must-read for those undertaking almost any adventure. His wisdom - that one's goals should be directed not towards that multi-defined idea of success; but rather, putting one's efforts into those activities that will keep them from failing is brilliant. Highly recommended for everyone.
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