Ever wondered about the journey to becoming the world's greatest salesman? Curious about the profound transformation one can undergo when driven by ambition, determination, and a desire to give back? How can ancient scrolls hold secrets to success, not only materially but in shaping character as well? Dive into the captivating narrative of Hafid, a once wealthy trader, and his mentor Pathros, as they showcase the true meaning of success.

The Greatest Salesman in the World

Once Hafid, a wealthy man with an empire of trade, stood before his bronze mirror, reflecting on his past. His opulent palace, filled with treasures from around the world, showcased his immense wealth. But, he felt it was time for change. Summoning Erasmus, his loyal bookkeeper, he asked, "How much wealth do we have?" Erasmus estimated over ten million gold talents. Hafid smiled and issued a surprising command: "Sell everything  and distribute all my wealth to the poor."

Erasmus, bewildered, pleaded for an explanation. Hafid reminded him of his lifelong practice of giving away half their profits to the needy. Now, in his old age, with his beloved wife Lisha gone, he wanted to give everything away, keeping only enough for a modest life. Erasmus, loyal and concerned, was offered fifty thousand gold talents and promised the palace upon Hafid’s departure. 

With the empire dismantled, Erasmus fulfilled Hafid’s commands. They climbed to a secret room in the palace dome, where Hafid revealed a small cedar chest, not filled with diamonds, but with scrolls. These scrolls, Hafid explained, contained the principles of salesmanship that had made him the greatest salesman in the world. He had been entrusted with them by another great salesman and was to pass them to someone in greater need than himself.

Years ago, young Hafid, a mere camel boy for the trader Pathros, sought to improve his station. He aspired to be a great salesman, driven by love and ambition. Pathros, Hafid's mentor, warned him of the loneliness and challenges of the trade but agreed to give him a chance. Hafid was tasked to sell a single robe in the poor town of Bethlehem. Pathros imparted one crucial lesson: "Failure will never overtake you if your determination to succeed is strong enough."

With this, Hafid’s journey began, leading him to master the principles in the scrolls and eventually amass great wealth. But his greatest act of salesmanship was yet to come—sharing the wisdom that had shaped his life, ensuring that the cycle of success and generosity continued.

Can Giving Away All Your Wealth Make You the Greatest Salesman in the World?

Hafid, the young camel boy, sat in a crowded Bethlehem inn, contemplating his failures as a salesman. For four days, he had tried and failed to sell a single red robe. Doubts plagued him: Why couldn’t he capture people's attention? How did other sellers succeed where he failed? 

His mind wandered to Lisha, the daughter of stern Calneh, whose favor he desperately sought. Determined not to return as a failure, Hafid decided to try once more the next morning. He would speak with such eloquence that the robe must sell.

That night, Hafid chose to sleep in a cave instead of the hills to save money. Inside, he found a small family: a man, a woman, and a newborn baby. The infant, wrapped in inadequate garments, stirred something within Hafid. Overcoming his hesitation, he unwrapped his precious red robe and gently placed it around the baby.

As he left the cave, a bright star shone above him, filling his eyes with tears. Hafid rode back to the caravan, pondering his act. He feared ridicule from Pathros, his master, for giving away the robe. Upon arriving, Pathros, intrigued by the star overhead, questioned Hafid. The young man confessed the entire story, expecting rebuke but receiving understanding instead.

Pathros revealed he had been waiting for a sign to pass on ancient scrolls that held secrets to becoming a great salesman. He believed Hafid was the chosen one, confirmed by the star and Hafid’s selfless act. Pathros then entrusted Hafid with a chest containing the scrolls and one hundred gold talents, instructing him to go to Damascus and follow the teachings within.

Hafid promised to follow three conditions: learn from the scrolls, share half his earnings with the less fortunate, and one day, pass the scrolls to another chosen by a sign. Pathros, weakened by age, bid Hafid farewell with words of wisdom, "Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough."

Tears streamed down Hafid’s face as he left, carrying the chest and the weight of his new destiny.

From Camel Boy to Salesman: Hafid's Journey of Self-Discovery and Success

Hafid entered the bustling city of Damascus through the East gate, his heart pounding with anxiety. Navigating through the chaotic street called Straight, he was overwhelmed by the cacophony of merchants vying for his attention. This journey was starkly different from traveling with Pathros's powerful trade caravan; now, Hafid was alone and unprotected.

He found refuge in an inn called Moscha, paying a month’s rent in advance to secure his standing with Antonine, the owner. After settling in, Hafid bathed in the waters of the Barada and returned to his room, where he opened a small cedar chest containing ten leather scrolls. As he touched one, a wave of fear and doubt washed over him again. "How foolish I am to dream of becoming the greatest salesman when I lack the courage even to face the street hawkers," he lamented.

Exhausted, Hafid fell into a deep sleep, only to awaken to a sparrow perched on the open chest. Thousands of sparrows chirped outside, but this brave one had ventured in. Hafid was struck by the bird’s courage. He recalled Pathros’s words: “Failure will never overtake you if your determination to succeed is strong enough.” Inspired, he opened the chest with ten scrolls and began to read.

Scroll1: One must shed the skin of failure and mediocrity. We should resolve to form good habits and become their slave, knowing that good habits are the key to success. For thirty days, Hafid would read each scroll thrice daily—morning, midday, and night—imprinting these principles onto his mind until they became second nature.

Scroll 2: One must embrace love as their greatest weapon. We would greet each day with love in our heart, seeing the good in all people and situations. Love would soften the hardest hearts and protect us from negativity. By loving ourself, we would maintain a healthy body, mind, soul, and heart, ensuring that love would multiply our success a hundredfold.

Can Love and Good Habits Propel Hafid to Become the Greatest Salesman in Damascus?

Scroll 3: "I will persist until I succeed"

In the Orient, young bulls are tested for the fight arena by being pricked with a lance by a picador. The number of times a bull charges despite the pain determines its bravery. Similarly, life tests individuals every day. To succeed, one must persist and continue to charge forward, no matter the obstacles.

One should not be a sheep waiting to be herded; one should be a lion. Rejecting failure and the company of those who complain and embrace defeat is crucial. The journey to success is long, and the prizes lie at the end. Each step, no matter how small, brings one closer to the goal. Like a raindrop wearing away a mountain or an ant devouring a tiger, small, consistent efforts lead to monumental achievements.

Defeat is not an option. Words like "quit" and "impossible" have no place in one's vocabulary. Even in despair, one must persist. Each failure brings one closer to success. The law of averages is on one's side; every "no" brings one closer to a "yes." Challenges are mere detours, and one should develop skills like a mariner mastering the storm.

Scroll 4: "I am nature's greatest miracle"

One should believe that since the dawn of time, there has never been anyone like us. We are unique, and that uniqueness is the greatest asset. Within one burns a flame of dissatisfaction, driving the need to be better. One must not imitate others but should showcase individuality. Distinctiveness is valuable, and one must capitalize on it.

One has unlimited potential, far greater than realized. One must strive to extend the miracle of existence to deeds. The purpose is to grow into a great mountain, not shrink to a grain of sand. One should use skills, mind, and body to their fullest potential.

In the marketplace, one should forget the problems of home, and at home, leave behind the concerns of the marketplace. This separation ensures dedication to both. We are nature's greatest miracle, and like nature, one will not know defeat. Each victory makes the next struggle easier.

Scroll 5: "I will live this day as if it is my last"

If today were the last day, one should cherish every moment. One should not mourn yesterday's misfortunes or worry about tomorrow's uncertainties. Today is all one has, and one should live it fully. One should greet the sunrise with joy and gratitude, knowing that each day is a precious gift.

One should avoid procrastination, doubt, and fear. One should not waste time with idle conversations or activities. Instead, focus on fulfilling duties, loving family, and helping those in need. Today, one should give the best in every endeavor, ensuring that if it is the last, it will be their greatest monument.

Unleashing Inner Strength: A Journey of Persistence, Uniqueness, and Living Fully

Scroll 6: "Today I will be master of my emotions"

Life is full of cycles, just like nature’s seasons and tides. One day we’re joyful, the next we’re sad, but understanding this helps us master our emotions. By recognizing that moods are temporary, and knowing we can control them, we ensure productivity and happiness. A bad mood can ruin a day, but by bringing joy and enthusiasm to our interactions, we can create a positive environment. 

Mastering emotions means taking proactive steps: sing when depressed, laugh when sad, work harder when feeling ill, and remember past successes when feeling incompetent. This mindset helps us overcome despair and avoid the pitfalls of overconfidence, complacency, and pride. Acknowledging and managing our emotions, and those of others, leads to success and wealth.

Scroll 7: "I will laugh at the world"

Laughter is unique to humans and has profound benefits: it improves health, lightens burdens, and lengthens life. Cultivating laughter, especially at oneself, keeps us grounded and reduces the size of our problems. Remembering that "this too shall pass" helps maintain balance through adversity and success alike.

Laughter helps us paint our days with joy, turning failures into dreams and successes into humble achievements. By maintaining a light-hearted approach, we can convert each smile into gold and build castles with kind words. Laughter ensures we never become too self-important and keeps us youthful and successful.

Scroll 8: "Today I will multiply my value a hundredfold"

Like a mulberry leaf becoming silk or clay becoming a castle, we can multiply our value a hundredfold. We have choices unlike a grain of wheat, and we can decide not to be fed to swine or ground into flour but to grow and multiply. Success comes by setting high goals and striving to surpass our past performances.

Setting daily, weekly, and lifelong goals, aiming high, and persevering through failures leads to growth. Announcing our goals commits us to achieving them. Striving for constant improvement, without boasting about successes, keeps us humble and driven. Multiplying our value not only elevates us but can astonish the world.

By mastering our emotions, laughing at life, and constantly multiplying our value, we can achieve greatness and become the greatest salesperson in the world.

Can Mastering Emotions and Laughter Make You the Greatest Salesperson in the World?

Scroll 9: "I will act now"

Dreams and plans are futile without action. Without action, even the most detailed maps or laws are useless. It’s action that breathes life into dreams and goals. 

Procrastination, often born from fear, is a recurring enemy. Acting without hesitation can diminish fear, turning the "lion of terror" into an "ant of equanimity." The mantra "I will act now" should be repeated to engrain this habit into one's very being, suggesting that the instinct to act should become as natural as breathing.

Scroll 10: "I will pray for guidance"

All creatures, including humans, have an innate impulse to call out for help. This instinct is interpreted as a form of prayer meant to be heard by a higher power. Yet, rather than praying for material gains, one should pray for guidance to achieve one's goals, much like a child asking for bread from their father.

These were the ten scrolls that Hafid read every day and acted on to become the greatest salesman in the world. Towards the end of his life, he was waiting for someone worthy to pass on his wisdom. After years of waiting, a ragged stranger named Paul arrives, seeking guidance. Paul recounts his dramatic transformation from Saul, a persecutor of Christians, to Paul, a follower of Jesus, after a divine encounter near Damascus. This conversion story captivates Hafid, who realizes that Paul is the one he has been waiting for.

Paul explains how he was instructed by a divine voice to seek out Hafid, the greatest salesman, to learn how to spread the word of God. As Paul recounts the life and teachings of Jesus, he presents Hafid with a blood-stained robe that once belonged to Jesus. 

Hafid recognizes the markings on the robe, connecting it to his past as a seller of robes. Overwhelmed with emotion, Hafid understands that his life's work has led him to this moment. He instructs his faithful bookkeeper, Erasmus, to fetch the chest containing the scrolls, signifying the passing of wisdom to the next generation.

From Dreams to Action: Wisdom Transference in 'The Greatest Salesman in the World'

Hafid's journey shows the profound transformation one can undergo when driven by a mix of ambition, determination, and a desire to give back. He amassed great wealth but chose, in his later years, to distribute it all to the poor, guided by principles of generosity and humility instilled in him by his mentor, Pathros. This act of selflessness was deeply tied to the scrolls he possessed, which detailed the secrets of successful salesmanship—principles that not only led to his material success but also shaped his character.

Hafid's early days depicted the struggle of a young camel boy aspiring to be more, driven by love and ambition. His journey began with a seemingly simple task that taught him the power of persistence and determination. These qualities, emphasized by Pathros, became his guiding lights. The scrolls he received were not just about sales tactics but about cultivating good habits, mastering emotions, and embracing love as a fundamental force.

As Hafid ventured into Damascus, the lessons from the scrolls came to life. He learned that persistence, good habits, and love were crucial to overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness. The narrative of the sparrow served as a metaphor for courage and determination, inspiring Hafid to push through his fears and doubts.

Crucially, Hafid embraced the power of action. Recognizing that inaction breeds failure, he committed to immediate action, understanding that success lies in consistent effort. This principle was reinforced by the metaphor of the firefly, symbolizing that our light shines brightest through our actions.

The story culminates with the arrival of Paul, whose transformation from Saul was a testament to the power of faith and divine guidance. Hafid's recognition of the red robe, a symbol of Jesus' humble beginnings, brought his journey full circle. By passing the scrolls to Paul, Hafid ensured the continuation of the principles that had shaped his life, emphasizing that true success lies in sharing wisdom and fostering growth in others.

In essence, Hafid's story is a powerful reminder that success is not merely about wealth but about the impact of our actions, the strength of our character, and the legacy we leave behind.

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The Greatest Salesman in the World

Og Mandino

7 Key ideas

15 MINS

4.5 (29)

Ever wondered about the journey to becoming the world's greatest salesman?

Curious about the profound transformation one can undergo when driven by ambition, determination, and a desire to give back?

How can ancient scrolls hold secrets to success, not only materially but in shaping character as well?

Dive into the captivating narrative of Hafid, a once wealthy trader, and his mentor Pathros, as they showcase the true meaning of success.