The Greatest Salesman in the World

Success is a complex idea that means different things to different people, but “failure is always described one way. Failure is a man’s inability to reach his goals in life, whatever they may be” (54). According to The Greatest Salesman in the World, a person must follow 10 scrolls’ principles to overcome failure. Despite the novella’s portrayal of riches, success is not solely about financial gain. Hafid’s adoptive father, Pathros, a rich man, explicitly advises against a money-driven mindset: “Do not aspire for wealth and labor not only to be rich. Strive instead for happiness, to be loved and to love, and most important, to acquire peace of mind and serenity” (20). Furthermore, a successful person celebrates themselves as unique, born to fulfill a greater purpose.

Each of the 10 scrolls contains a unique lesson related to the nature of success and how to achieve it by living up to one’s potential. The scrolls urge their reader to never allow anyone or anything to stand in the way of their goals. In comparing persistence to a desert that eventually ends, the third scroll paints a clear picture of something beyond failure. By replacing bad habits that hinder progress with good habits, it becomes easier to control one’s emotions and live each day with optimism.