The Greatest Salesman in the World

The Greatest Salesman in the World Plot Summary

Introduction

In the ancient trade routes of Damascus, where merchants from East and West exchanged not only goods but dreams and wisdom, there emerged a figure whose life story transcends time itself. Hafid, whose journey from an orphaned camel boy to the wealthiest merchant in the world, stands as one of the most remarkable transformations in the annals of human achievement. His rise was not merely a tale of material success, but a spiritual odyssey that revealed profound truths about human potential and the power of perseverance. What makes Hafid's story particularly compelling is not just the magnitude of his commercial empire that eventually spanned from Parthia to Rome, but the unique philosophical foundation upon which he built it. Through a series of ancient scrolls containing timeless wisdom, Hafid discovered principles that transformed not only his sales approach but his entire perspective on life. His story teaches us about the transformative power of love in business relationships, the necessity of persistence in the face of rejection, and ultimately, the responsibility that comes with success. As we follow his remarkable journey, we witness how simple principles, when applied with unwavering discipline, can elevate an ordinary life to extraordinary heights.

Chapter 1: The Humble Beginnings of a Camel Boy

The story of Hafid begins in the harsh deserts of the ancient Middle East, where as an orphaned youth he found himself in the service of Pathros, a wealthy merchant from Palmyra. As a camel boy, Hafid's daily existence consisted of tending to the animals of the merchant's massive caravans - feeding them, cleaning them, and ensuring their readiness for the arduous journeys across trade routes. It was humble work, far removed from the glamour and wealth of the merchant's world, yet Hafid performed his duties with diligence, observing the ways of the traders and salesmen around him. Despite his lowly position, a fire burned within young Hafid. During one of their encampments in Hebron, he encountered the daughter of Calneh, a wealthy man. This chance meeting sparked something profound in the camel boy - not just affection for the girl, but a burning ambition to rise above his station. He recognized that his current position made him unworthy in the eyes of Calneh, but perhaps as a successful merchant, he might one day win approval for his affections. With newfound determination, Hafid approached Pathros with an audacious request - he wished to become a seller of goods rather than merely a camel boy. When questioned about his ambitions, Hafid boldly declared that he wished not only to succeed but to become "the greatest merchant, the wealthiest man, and the greatest salesman in all the world." Pathros, rather than dismissing this seemingly presumptuous goal, saw something special in the youth's determination. Pathros decided to test Hafid's resolve. He entrusted him with a single red robe of the finest quality, instructing him to travel to Bethlehem and sell it. This seemingly simple task would prove to be the pivotal moment in Hafid's life - not because of any sales technique he would employ, but because of a profound act of compassion that would change the course of his destiny. In Bethlehem, after days of rejection and failure to sell the robe, Hafid encountered a poor couple with a newborn child in a cave. Moved by their plight and the child's vulnerability in the cold night, he gave them his precious robe without payment. This selfless act, which seemed like a failure of his mission, was in fact the first step on his path to greatness - a path that would be illuminated by a bright star that followed him back to the caravan, signaling to Pathros that Hafid was indeed the chosen one to receive ancient wisdom.

Chapter 2: The Transformative Gift of the Scrolls

When Hafid returned to the caravan, Pathros witnessed an extraordinary phenomenon - a star of unusual brightness had followed the young man from Bethlehem. Though Hafid initially believed he had failed in his mission by giving away the robe without payment, this celestial sign convinced Pathros that Hafid was destined for greatness. For years, the old merchant had been the guardian of ten ancient scrolls, waiting for a sign that would reveal the worthy successor to receive this transformative wisdom. As Pathros neared the end of his life, he revealed to Hafid the existence of these ten scrolls kept hidden in a cedar chest. He explained that many years ago, after saving a traveler from bandits, he had been gifted these scrolls which contained the secrets to becoming a great salesman. The first scroll held the secret of learning itself, while the others contained principles necessary for success in the art of selling. With proper application, these principles had transformed Pathros from a man of no status into the greatest salesman of his time. The scrolls came with conditions: Hafid must depart for Damascus, read the scrolls in proper sequence, and apply their wisdom diligently. He must share half his earnings with those less fortunate, and most importantly, he must not share the scrolls with anyone until someday a sign would reveal the next chosen person. With trembling hands, Hafid accepted this sacred trust, along with a purse of gold talents to begin his own business venture selling rugs. The transfer of the scrolls represented not merely the passing of business knowledge but a spiritual inheritance - a sacred trust that Hafid would guard for decades. Pathros explained that the wisdom contained in these scrolls was not merely about techniques for selling goods, but principles for living a meaningful life. The proper application of these principles had the power to transform not just a career but the very essence of a person. As Hafid departed with the small cedar chest, Pathros reminded him of the motto that would sustain him through difficult times ahead: "Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough." This phrase would become the foundation upon which Hafid would build his remarkable future, a cornerstone of wisdom that would guide him through the inevitable challenges of his journey.

Chapter 3: Mastering the Ten Ancient Principles

Upon arriving in Damascus, Hafid took modest lodgings and prepared to begin his new life. Following Pathros' instructions, he opened only the first scroll, marked with the Roman numeral I. This initial scroll contained the method by which all the others were to be mastered - each scroll must be read three times daily for thirty consecutive days before proceeding to the next. Through this disciplined repetition, the principles would seep not only into his conscious mind but also into his "mysterious mind," transforming mere words into instinctual habits. The first principle declared, "Today I begin a new life," teaching Hafid that true transformation requires a complete break from past failures. The second scroll instructed, "I will greet this day with love in my heart," revealing that love is the greatest weapon in sales, capable of opening hearts where logic and bargains might fail. The third commanded, "I will persist until I succeed," comparing the salesman to a bull who charges despite the sting of rejection, and teaching that each "no" brings him closer to a "yes." As Hafid progressed through the scrolls, he internalized deeper wisdom: "I am nature's greatest miracle," which taught him to capitalize on his uniqueness rather than imitate others; "I will live this day as if it is my last," which instilled urgency and appreciation; and "Today I will be master of my emotions," which showed him how to maintain positivity despite the fluctuations of mood that affect all humans. The later scrolls built upon this foundation: "I will laugh at the world," teaching the power of humor and perspective; "Today I will multiply my value a hundredfold," encouraging continuous growth; "I will act now," combating the deadly disease of procrastination; and finally, a scroll on prayer, teaching him to seek guidance rather than material outcomes. Each principle, when applied diligently in his daily transactions selling rugs, gradually transformed Hafid from an inexperienced former camel boy into a merchant of extraordinary ability. Through years of disciplined application, these principles became so ingrained in Hafid's character that they manifested naturally in all his interactions. His compassion for customers, persistence through rejection, emotional control during negotiations, and unique approach to solving problems set him apart from other merchants. His business grew not through aggressive tactics but through genuine service and the application of these timeless principles.

Chapter 4: The Red Robe and the Star of Bethlehem

The mystery of Hafid's first sale - or rather, his act of giving away the red robe in Bethlehem - held profound significance that would only be fully revealed decades later. That night in Bethlehem, when Hafid entered the cave and found the young family with their newborn child, he had acted from pure compassion, giving the precious robe to warm the infant without thought of payment or reward. Unknown to him, this selfless act would connect him to one of history's most significant events. The bright star that followed Hafid back to the caravan was the same celestial phenomenon that had guided others to that humble birthplace in Bethlehem. Years later, Hafid would learn that the child he had wrapped in the red robe was Jesus of Nazareth, whose teachings would eventually spread throughout the world. The robe, bearing the mark of Pathros (a circle within a square) and the mark of Tola's guild (a star), would become one of the few possessions of the man who would change the course of history. This cosmic connection between Hafid's first act of genuine giving and the birth of Christianity was not mere coincidence but a profound illustration of the principle contained in the second scroll: "I will greet this day with love in my heart." Without knowing it, Hafid had demonstrated the very essence of successful human interaction - genuine concern for others above self-interest - which would become the foundation of his unprecedented success in commerce. As Hafid's empire grew over the decades, he never forgot this formative experience. Though he accumulated vast wealth, he maintained the practice instructed by Pathros of sharing half his earnings with those less fortunate. His business expanded not merely through shrewd deals but through a reputation for fairness, quality, and genuine concern for his customers' needs - all extensions of the compassion he had shown that night in Bethlehem. The star that had guided Hafid's destiny remained a private symbol of his special purpose. He understood that wealth was meant not merely for personal comfort but as a means to alleviate suffering and create opportunity for others. This philosophy differentiated him from other wealthy merchants of his time, earning him the title of "greatest salesman in the world" - not just for the volume of his sales but for the integrity with which he conducted his business.

Chapter 5: Building an Empire Through Wisdom

From his humble beginnings in Damascus with just a few rugs and the ancient scrolls, Hafid methodically built a commercial empire that eventually spanned across the known world. By applying the principles from the scrolls to every transaction and relationship, he transformed a small rug business into a vast network of emporiums selling everything from Arabian stallions to precious stones, from fine linens to exotic spices. The growth of his business empire reflected his inner development. As he mastered each scroll's wisdom, his commercial acumen grew proportionally. The principle of persistence allowed him to overcome the inevitable setbacks that befall any merchant. His habit of greeting each day with love made him a magnetic figure that both customers and employees were drawn to. By viewing himself as "nature's greatest miracle," he approached each market with unique strategies rather than merely copying competitors. Particularly effective was his application of the eighth scroll, "Today I will multiply my value a hundredfold." Hafid continuously raised his goals as soon as they were attained, never becoming complacent with success. When others might have been satisfied with a prosperous local business, he expanded to new cities. When regional success came, he pushed into new countries. His emporiums eventually stretched from Egypt to Rome, from Arabia to Babylon, each managed by loyal leaders who had been inspired by Hafid's principles and generosity. Throughout this expansion, Hafid maintained his commitment to sharing half his wealth with the less fortunate. This was not merely charity but a fundamental business principle for him - a recognition that true wealth creation benefits the entire community. His emporiums became known not just for the quality of their goods but for fair treatment of employees, honest dealings with suppliers, and genuine service to customers. After twenty-six years of unprecedented growth and profit, Hafid's reputation had elevated him to almost legendary status. Among the poor and downtrodden, particularly in Palestine, he was celebrated in songs and poetry as an example of what was possible despite humble beginnings. Though he accumulated a fortune of several million gold talents, Hafid never lost sight of the wisdom that had guided him - that material success was merely a byproduct of living by correct principles.

Chapter 6: Teaching Paul and Passing the Legacy

For three decades, Hafid guarded the scrolls in a secret chamber at the top of his palace dome, waiting for the sign that would reveal the next recipient of this ancient wisdom. After the death of his beloved wife Lisha, he had retired from active commerce, distributing his vast commercial holdings to his loyal managers and retreating into a life of quiet contemplation, with only his faithful bookkeeper Erasmus as his companion. The sign finally came in the form of a humble visitor to his palace - a limping, travel-worn man named Saul of Tarsus, also called Paul. This unlikely messenger explained that he had once been a persecutor of the followers of Jesus until a blinding light and a voice on the road to Damascus had transformed him. Now committed to spreading Jesus's teachings, Paul had been instructed in a vision to seek out "the greatest salesman in the world" to learn how to effectively share his message. As proof of his connection to Jesus, Paul produced a red robe that had been recovered from the crucifixion - the very same robe that Hafid had given to the infant in Bethlehem decades earlier, still bearing the marks of Pathros and Tola's guild. This was the unmistakable sign Hafid had been waiting for, confirming that Paul was indeed the chosen one to receive the scrolls. In this profound moment of recognition, Hafid understood the cosmic symmetry of his life's journey. The principles that had guided him to commercial success would now be used to spread spiritual teachings throughout the world. The wisdom of the scrolls, which had previously been restricted to just one chosen individual at a time, would now be shared widely by Paul, who as the third recipient was free from the conditions that had bound Pathros and Hafid. For Hafid, this transfer of the scrolls represented the completion of his life's purpose. He had been a faithful steward of this ancient wisdom, applying it to create vast material wealth. Now, through Paul, these same principles would be used to spread a message of spiritual wealth. The principles contained in the scrolls - persistence, love, uniqueness, living each day fully, mastering emotions, maintaining perspective through laughter, continuous self-improvement, immediate action, and seeking guidance through prayer - would find new expression in Paul's ministry. With tears of joy, Hafid entrusted the cedar chest containing the scrolls to Paul, completing the circle that had begun that night in Bethlehem. The greatest salesman in the world had found his ultimate customer - one who would take the principles that had built a commercial empire and use them to change the course of human history.

Chapter 7: The Ultimate Test of Generosity

The final chapter of Hafid's story represents his greatest act of giving - the complete divestment of his vast commercial empire. After recognizing Paul as the chosen recipient of the scrolls, Hafid instructed his faithful bookkeeper Erasmus to sell all his remaining goods and distribute the proceeds to the poor of Damascus, keeping only enough for modest comfort in his remaining years. This was no small gesture. By this time, Hafid's treasury contained over seven million gold talents, with goods in his warehouses valued at another three million. His commercial network included ten major emporiums spanning from Joppa to Petra, each managed by loyal servants who had helped build his empire. Now, in a sweeping act of generosity, he transferred ownership of each emporium to its manager, along with five thousand gold talents to each for restocking their shelves. Erasmus, who had served Hafid faithfully for decades, was initially shocked by this decision. How could his master willingly surrender the commercial empire that had defined his life? But Hafid explained that his wealth had always been a means, not an end. With the scrolls now passed to Paul, his mission was complete. The material wealth had served its purpose, just as the principles of the scrolls had served theirs in shaping his character and success. Hafid's final generosity extended to Erasmus himself, to whom he transferred fifty thousand gold talents and promised the palace and warehouse upon his death. This gesture recognized that true wealth lies not in possessions but in relationships - in the loyalty, friendship, and trust developed over a lifetime. Erasmus had been more than an employee; he had been a brother who shared both Hafid's triumphs and his periods of grief, particularly after the death of Lisha. The dissolution of Hafid's trade empire sent shockwaves throughout the commercial world. Messengers traveled to each emporium with certificates of ownership and gold, leaving managers stunned by their master's unprecedented generosity. The most powerful trade network of its time simply ceased to exist as a unified entity, transforming into ten independent businesses under new ownership. This final act perfectly embodied the principles Hafid had learned from the scrolls. It demonstrated mastery over material possessions rather than attachment to them, the ability to recognize when one chapter of life should end and another begin, and the understanding that true wealth is measured by impact on others rather than by accumulated treasures. By giving away his empire, Hafid proved that he had truly mastered the most challenging principle of all - that giving completes the circle of wealth that begins with acquiring.

Summary

Hafid's extraordinary journey from camel boy to the greatest salesman in the world illuminates a timeless truth: success in any field comes not from techniques or tactics but from the integration of universal principles into one's character. The ten scrolls that guided his rise contained wisdom applicable far beyond the realm of commerce - principles of love, persistence, uniqueness, emotional mastery, and generosity that transformed not just his external circumstances but his inner being. His greatest achievement was not the vast commercial empire he built but the man he became in building it. The most profound lesson from Hafid's life is that true success includes responsibility toward others. At every stage of his rise, he maintained the discipline of sharing half his wealth with those less fortunate. When his mission was complete, he divested himself of his entire commercial empire, distributing it to loyal managers and the poor of Damascus. This final act of generosity completed the circle that began with a simple act of compassion - giving away a red robe to warm a newborn child in a Bethlehem cave. For those seeking not just material success but meaningful impact, Hafid's story offers a blueprint that remains as relevant today as it was in the ancient world of Damascus, Jerusalem, and Rome.

About Author

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Og Mandino

Augustine "Og" Mandino II (December 12, 1923 – September 3, 1996) was an American author. He wrote the bestselling book The Greatest Salesman in the World. His books have sold over 50 million copies and have been translated into over twenty-five different languages. He was the president of Success Unlimited magazine until 1976 and is an inductee of the National Speakers Association's Hall Of Fame.Mandino was born December 12, 1923. According to the 1930 U.S. Census, he was named after his paternal grandfather.Mandino was once the editor of a high school paper and planned to attend the University of Missouri's journalism school. But in the summer of 1940, before Mandino was able to enter college, his mother died suddenly from a massive heart attack. This happened while Mandino's mother was in the kitchen preparing his lunch. After the incident, Mandino decided to work in a paper factory until 1942. Afterwards, Mandino joined the United States Army Air Corps where he became a military officer and a bombardier. He flew for thirty bombing missions over Germany on board a B-24 Liberator during World War II. It was also during this time that Mandino flew with fellow pilot and movie star, James Stewart. Mandino kept a personalized 8 X 10 photograph of Stewart. This photograph hung on the wall of his home office where he wrote his books.After his military duties, Mandino discovered that many companies were not hiring many former bomber pilots. As a result, he became an insurance salesman. Traveling on the road and sitting in bars at night, Mandino became an alcoholic. He was unable to keep a job. As a result, Mandino's wife, together with their only child, left him. One wintry November morning in Cleveland, Mandino almost tried to commit suicide. But as he sorted through several books in a library, volumes of self-help, success and motivation books captured Mandino's attention. He selected some titles, went to a table and began reading. Mandino followed his visit to the library with more visits to many other libraries around the United States. He read hundreds of books that dealt with success, a pastime that helped him alleviate his alcoholism. It was in a library in Concord, New Hampshire, where he found W. Clement Stone's classic, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude, a book that changed Mandino for the better.Mandino eventually became a successful writer. His works were inspired by the Bible and influenced by Napoleon Hill, W. Clement Stone, and Emmet Fox.

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