The Greatest Salesman in the World

The Greatest Salesman in the World book cover

The Greatest Salesman in the World is a book written by Og Mandino that serves as a guide to a philosophy of salesmanship, and success, telling the story of Hafid, a poor camel boy who achieves a life of abundance. The book was first published in 1968 by Frederick Fell Publishers, Inc. It is widely regarded as a classic in the field of personal development and self-help.

Plot Summary

The story is set in the time just before the birth of Christ. Hafid is a young camel boy who dreams of becoming a great salesman. After encountering a very wealthy and successful merchant named Pathros, Hafid receives ten ancient scrolls that contain the wisdom necessary for him to achieve all his ambitions. These scrolls, which are central to the narrative, offer timeless principles for salesmanship and personal success.

The Ten Scrolls

Each scroll in the book contains a principle or lesson designed to replace bad habits with good ones, contributing to the reader's personal growth and sales success. The scrolls are:

1. The Scroll Marked I: The Power of Good Habits
2. The Scroll Marked II: Greet Each Day With Love In Your Heart
3. The Scroll Marked III: Persist Until You Succeed
4. The Scroll Marked IV: You Are Nature's Greatest Miracle
5. The Scroll Marked V: Live Each Day as if It Were Your Last
6. The Scroll Marked VI: Master Your Emotions
7. The Scroll Marked VII: The Power of Laughter
8. The Scroll Marked VIII: Multiply Your Value Every Day
9. The Scroll Marked IX: All Success Begins With a Failure
10. The Scroll Marked X: Pray to God for Guidance

Themes and Analysis

The book delves into themes such as the importance of persistence, love, and a positive attitude towards life and oneself. It emphasizes the idea that success is not just about the techniques of selling but more about the personal growth and development of the salesman. The story of Hafid illustrates how anyone, regardless of their current status or position, can achieve greatness by following these principles.

Reception

Since its publication, The Greatest Salesman in the World has sold millions of copies and has been translated into multiple languages. It has inspired countless readers to improve their lives and careers. The book is often used in sales training and motivational courses.

Legacy

Og Mandino's work has left a lasting impact on the fields of sales and personal development. The Greatest Salesman in the World is considered a must-read for those interested in achieving success through personal growth. Mandino's principles have been adopted by sales professionals and motivational speakers around the world.

See Also

• Self-help
• Motivational book
• Sales