The Greatest Salesman in the World

Og Mandino was an Italian American self-help writer and speaker and was eventually inducted into the National Speakers’ Association Hall of Fame. He wrote 16 self-help books, and The Greatest Salesman in the World is arguably his most well-known work. He enlisted in World War II and, afterward, became an insurance salesman. Mandino initially struggled at sales, much like protagonist Hafid, and fell into alcohol and depression. He considered ending his life but claimed he was saved by self-help books from a local library. These books motivated him to improve his life. Mandino began writing his own self-help books, which remain among the most successful, and traveling the world speaking on The Nature of Success. As a devout Christian, he believed the teachings of Jesus and attempted to include them in his books. For example, in The Greatest Salesman in the World, Hafid learns Christian principles like accepting guidance from God. Furthermore, the novella includes Jesus’ birth, solidifying the importance of Christianity in Mandino’s life. His work continues to inspire people to this day, with Hafid’s 10 scrolls being lessons he himself learned.