The Greatest Salesman in the World - Og Mandino - a book review

The Greatest Salesman in the World, written by Og Mandino, is a classic self-help book that has been inspiring and motivating people for over five decades. The book is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their sales skills or enhance their personal and professional lives.

The book tells the story of Hafid, a poor camel boy who rises to become the greatest salesman in the world. Hafid's journey to success is guided by ten ancient scrolls, each containing a powerful principle that he must master to achieve greatness. The ten scrolls are presented in a unique and engaging way, making the book an enjoyable read that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

1. The Power of Habits: The first scroll in the book emphasizes the power of habits and the importance of cultivating good habits in our lives. Hafid is instructed to read the first scroll every day for thirty days, focusing on the principles outlined in it, which include developing good habits, taking action, and persisting in the face of failure.

2. The Importance of Love: The second scroll emphasizes the importance of love in our lives and how it can help us overcome our fears and achieve our goals. The scroll encourages the reader to cultivate love in their hearts, not just for themselves but for others as well, and to use this love as a source of strength and motivation.

3. The Value of Time: The third scroll is all about the value of time and how we can use it to achieve our goals. Hafid is instructed to master time by using it wisely, avoiding procrastination, and making every moment count.

4. The Power of Giving: The fourth scroll emphasizes the power of giving and how it can lead to greater success and fulfillment. Hafid is taught to give without expecting anything in return and to be generous in his dealings with others.

5. The Importance of Persistence: The fifth scroll emphasizes the importance of persistence and how it can help us overcome obstacles and achieve our goals. Hafid is taught to persist in the face of adversity, to never give up on his dreams, and to keep moving forward no matter what.

6. The Value of Emotions: The sixth scroll emphasizes the value of emotions and how they can impact our lives. Hafid is instructed to master his emotions, to avoid negative emotions such as anger and envy, and to cultivate positive emotions such as joy and enthusiasm.

7. The Power of Imagination: The seventh scroll emphasizes the power of imagination and how it can help us achieve our goals. Hafid is taught to use his imagination to visualize his success, to focus on his goals, and to believe in himself.

8. The Importance of Taking Action: The eighth scroll emphasizes the importance of taking action and how it is the key to success. Hafid is taught to take action on his goals, to avoid procrastination, and to never be afraid to take risks.

9. The Power of Faith: The ninth scroll emphasizes the power of faith and how it can help us achieve our goals. Hafid is taught to have faith in himself, in his abilities, and in his dreams. He is encouraged to trust in a higher power and to believe that anything is possible.

10. The Secret of Success: The tenth and final scroll reveals the secret of success and how it can be achieved. Hafid is instructed to read the final scroll every day for the rest of his life, to live by its principles, and to share its message with others.

Salman Rushdie Lashes Out At "Absurd Censorship" Of Roald Dahl Books

 

Salman Rushdie has joined other literary figures in criticising the "absurd censorship" of Roald Dahl's classic children's books by a British publisher. Puffin Books, a division of Penguin Random House, has revised certain sections of Dahl's books because the language was deemed offensive. Under a review of Dahl's classics, which include popular titles that were adapted to the screen such as ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ and ‘Matilda’, references to weight, mental health, violence, gender and race are to be rewritten or removed by so-called sensitivity readers to avoid causing offence. The changes have been made with the aim of ensuring that Dahl’s stories and characters continue to be enjoyed by all children today.

The Roald Dahl Story Company, which controls the rights to the books, has worked with Puffin to review the texts. While a character who is fat becomes 'enormous', references to small men have reportedly been changed to 'small people'. Rushdie took to Twitter to label the move as “absurd censorship”. Rushdie, who lost vision in one eye from a brutal stabbing attack last year while on stage in New York, has for years lived under the shadow of a fatwa issued by Iran’s former supreme leader Ayatollah Khomeini, calling on Muslims to assassinate the author over the allegedly “blasphemous” novel ‘The Satanic Verses’.

In response to a follow-up comment on Twitter, Rushdie added: “He [Dahl] was a self-confessed antisemite, with pronounced racist leanings, and he joined in the attack on me back in 1989… but thanks for telling me off for defending his work from the bowdlerising Sensitivity Police.”

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also waded into the controversy, with his official spokesperson quoting one of Dahl’s famous works to say: “When it comes to our rich and varied literary heritage, the Prime Minister agrees with 'The BFG’ that we shouldn't gobblefunk around with words.'

English writer Philip Pullman, behind the ‘His Dark Materials’ fantasy trilogy, said books should be allowed to fade away rather than be rewritten. “Let him go out of print,” said Pullman.

The Roald Dahl Story Company said any edits are "small and carefully considered", working with publishers Puffin and Inclusive Minds, a collective working towards inclusion and accessibility within children's literature. The company has issued a statement to apologise for the lasting and understandable hurt caused by Roald Dahl's anti-semitic statements, which it says are "incomprehensible" and "stand in marked contrast to the man we knew and to the values at the heart of Roald Dahl's stories".

Book Review: Haroun and the Sea of Stories

Haroun and the Sea of Stories is a novel written by Salman Rushdie, which tells the story of Haroun, a young boy who lives in a city where stories are seen as meaningless and forgotten. The novel explores themes of storytelling, the importance of imagination and the power of words. This review will examine the key aspects of the book, including the plot, themes, characters, and the author's writing style.

Plot

The novel is set in a fantastical land called Kahani, where stories are born and kept in a sea of stories. Haroun, the protagonist, is the son of Rashid, a famous storyteller who loses his gift of storytelling after his wife leaves him. Haroun embarks on a journey to the sea of stories with the Water Genie, Iff, in order to save his father's gift of storytelling. Along the way, they meet a range of interesting characters, including the dark queen, Khattam-Shud, and the Chupwalas, who are trying to destroy the sea of stories.

Themes

One of the main themes of the novel is the importance of storytelling and imagination. The novel suggests that stories are not just entertaining, but that they have the power to change the world. The power of storytelling is further emphasized in the novel when Haroun realizes that the stories in the sea of stories are disappearing because people have stopped believing in them.

Another theme of the novel is the power of words. The novel explores how words can be used to create or destroy, and how they can be used to manipulate people. The novel also highlights the importance of truth, and how words can be used to distort the truth.

Characters

The novel has a range of interesting and well-developed characters. Haroun is a relatable and likeable protagonist who is on a journey of self-discovery. His father, Rashid, is a complex character who initially appears to be selfish and self-absorbed, but who later shows a vulnerable side. Iff, the Water Genie, is a humorous and loyal character who helps Haroun on his journey.

The dark queen, Khattam-Shud, is a menacing and threatening character who wants to destroy the sea of stories. The Chupwalas, on the other hand, are a group of people who have lost their ability to dream and who are now trying to destroy the sea of stories. The novel's characters are well-rounded and have their own unique personalities, which adds depth and richness to the story.

Writing Style

The novel is written in Rushdie's typical style, with elements of magical realism and fantastical imagery. The writing is humorous, imaginative, and at times, whimsical. The novel has a poetic quality to it, with its use of metaphors and similes. The novel's language is accessible and easy to read, making it suitable for a wide range of readers.

Conclusion

Haroun and the Sea of Stories is a delightful and entertaining novel that explores the power of storytelling, the importance of imagination, and the value of words. The novel has a range of interesting characters, a well-developed plot, and a writing style that is both imaginative and poetic. The novel is suitable for both children and adults, and would be a great addition to any bookshelf. Overall, Haroun and the Sea of Stories is a captivating and enchanting read that will leave readers feeling inspired and uplifted.

The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma

Robin Sharma is a Canadian author, leadership expert, and motivational speaker. He was born on June 16, 1964, in Uganda but later moved to Canada. Sharma received a law degree from Dalhousie University and went on to work as a litigation lawyer. However, he soon realized that his true passion was in personal development and leadership.

Sharma's first book, "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari," was published in 1997 and became a bestseller. The book drew on Sharma's experience as a leadership coach and offered practical advice for achieving personal and professional success.

Since then, Sharma has written numerous books on leadership, personal growth, and productivity. His other notable books include "The Leader Who Had No Title," "The 5 AM Club," and "The Saint, the Surfer, and the CEO." Sharma is also a highly sought-after speaker and has delivered talks to organizations such as NASA, Microsoft, and Nike.

In addition to his work as an author and speaker, Sharma is the founder of the Robin Sharma Foundation for Children, which helps underprivileged children in India receive education and healthcare. Overall, Robin Sharma is a respected figure in the field of personal development and leadership, and his work has inspired millions of people around the world to achieve their full potential.

I have found his book 'The 5 AM Club' very inspirational and full of tidbits to quickly follow and help our lives transform. Here are some insights into the book.

The 5 AM Club 

"The 5 AM Club" by Robin Sharma is a self-help book that offers a step-by-step guide to waking up at 5 am every day and using that extra hour to transform your life. The book explores the benefits of waking up early and provides a set of tools to help you optimize your morning routine. The book has been praised for its practical advice and inspirational tone. In this book review, I will delve into the key takeaways from the book, examining how the book can help individuals achieve their personal and professional goals.

The Importance of the 5 AM Club

In the book, Robin Sharma explains that waking up early is essential to achieve success. He provides a range of examples of highly successful individuals who wake up at 5 am every day, including Richard Branson, Tim Cook, and Oprah Winfrey. The book argues that waking up early offers several benefits, including increased productivity, improved physical and mental health, and a greater sense of control over your life.

The Formula for Success

The book outlines a step-by-step formula for creating a successful morning routine. The formula is based on three core elements: The 20/20/20 Formula, the Twin Cycle of Elite Performance, and the 10 Tactics of Lifelong Genius. The 20/20/20 Formula suggests that individuals should spend the first hour of their day engaging in three 20-minute activities: exercise, reflection, and learning. The Twin Cycle of Elite Performance suggests that individuals should break their day into 90-minute intervals, with 60 minutes of intense focus followed by 30 minutes of recovery. The 10 Tactics of Lifelong Genius provide a set of tools for enhancing creativity, productivity, and personal growth.

The Power of Mindset

The book emphasizes the importance of mindset in achieving success. It argues that individuals must adopt a growth mindset, which is characterized by a willingness to learn and take on new challenges. The book provides several strategies for developing a growth mindset, including visualization, positive self-talk, and goal-setting.

The Importance of Community

The book argues that individuals must surround themselves with like-minded individuals who are also committed to personal growth. The book emphasizes the importance of community in providing support and motivation and offers several strategies for building a community, including joining a mastermind group, attending seminars, and networking.

The Importance of Rest and Recovery

The book emphasizes the importance of rest and recovery in achieving success. It argues that individuals must prioritize sleep and take breaks throughout the day to recharge their energy. The book offers several strategies for improving sleep, including establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants before bedtime.

Conclusion

"The 5 AM Club" is a practical and inspirational guide to waking up early and optimizing your morning routine. The book offers a set of tools for enhancing productivity, creativity, and personal growth. The book emphasizes the importance of mindset, community, and rest in achieving success. Overall, the book provides a comprehensive roadmap for transforming your life and achieving your personal and professional goals. The book is highly recommended for individuals who are looking to improve their morning routine and take their life to the next level.

Book Review: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Stephen Covey (1932-2012) was an American educator, author, and businessman who was widely recognized as a leading authority on personal and organizational effectiveness. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Utah, and later earned a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University. Covey is best known for his bestselling book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," which has sold over 25 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 40 languages. He was also a co-founder of FranklinCovey, a global consulting and training firm that provides leadership and productivity solutions to individuals and organizations.

Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a classic self-help book that has been a bestseller for over three decades. The book presents a comprehensive and timeless guide to personal and professional development, and its principles have been widely adopted by individuals and organizations worldwide.

The book is divided into two parts: the first part focuses on the seven habits that highly effective people possess, while the second part presents strategies for applying these habits in personal and professional contexts.

Part One: The Seven Habits

The seven habits are as follows: be proactive, begin with the end in mind, put first things first, think win-win, seek first to understand, then to be understood, synergize, and sharpen the saw. Covey explains each habit in detail and provides real-life examples of how they have been applied in various situations.

Covey emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and the power of proactive behavior. He argues that individuals should focus on what they can control rather than being reactive to external factors. He also stresses the importance of having a clear sense of purpose and goals, as well as prioritizing important tasks to achieve them.

Part Two: Applying the Habits

In the second part of the book, Covey presents strategies for applying the seven habits in personal and professional contexts. He discusses topics such as leadership, communication, time management, and teamwork, and provides practical advice for implementing the habits in each area.

Covey also emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships and provides guidance on how to build trust and collaborate effectively with others. He presents a framework for understanding different communication styles and encourages readers to seek first to understand others before trying to be understood.

Overall, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is an essential resource for anyone who wants to improve their personal and professional effectiveness. The book presents a comprehensive and timeless framework for achieving success, and its principles are applicable to individuals at any stage of their personal or professional journey.

Covey's writing style is clear and engaging, and he uses real-life examples to illustrate his points effectively. The book is also well-organized and easy to follow, with practical exercises and summaries of key points at the end of each chapter.

In conclusion, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a must-read for anyone who wants to improve their personal and professional effectiveness. The book provides a comprehensive and timeless framework for achieving success, and its principles are applicable to individuals at any stage of their personal or professional journey.

A storytelling par excellence - Languages of Truth by Salman Rushdie

Happy Valentine's Day World. This post is not a love-lorn piece. Instead, this is a review of Salman Rushdie's "Languages of Truth" - a collection of essays, speeches, and articles written by the author over the course of his career. The book exhibits the power of storytelling and the magical wand that Salman Rushdie holds to express his views so eloquently and effortlessly. Hope you enjoy this review.

The book is divided into four parts, each exploring a different theme related to the power of language and storytelling.

Part One: The Writer's Imagination

In the first part of the book, Rushdie delves into the role of the writer and the power of imagination. He discusses the importance of fiction in shaping our understanding of the world, and how writers can use their imagination to challenge and subvert dominant narratives. He also reflects on his own experiences as a writer, including the controversy and backlash he faced after the publication of "The Satanic Verses."

Part Two: The Uses of Enchantment

In this section, Rushdie explores the ways in which stories and myths can be used to convey truths that are often difficult to express through more straightforward means. He examines the role of fairy tales, folktales, and other forms of storytelling in shaping our cultural and moral values. He also discusses the ways in which these stories can be used to subvert dominant power structures and challenge social norms.

Part Three: The Politics of Language

The third part of the book focuses on the politics of language and the ways in which it is used to shape our understanding of the world. Rushdie examines the power dynamics involved in language use, including the ways in which certain words and phrases are used to manipulate and control. He also discusses the role of language in shaping our understanding of history and culture.

Part Four: In the South

In the final section of the book, Rushdie reflects on his experiences as a writer and traveler in the Global South. He explores the unique challenges faced by writers in these regions, including censorship, political repression, and the pressure to conform to dominant cultural narratives. He also discusses the ways in which writers in the Global South can use their work to challenge these narratives and promote social change.

Overall, "Languages of Truth" is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the power of language and storytelling. Rushdie's essays offer a wealth of insights into the role of fiction in shaping our understanding of the world, the ways in which stories can be used to convey important truths, and the politics of language use. The book will be of interest to anyone interested in the power of storytelling and its potential to promote social change.

Midnight's Children - a peek into India's Psyche

You might remember the unfortunate incident when Salman Rushdie was attacked on stage at the Chautauqua Festival in upstate New York  on Aug. 12, 2022. From that time, he has published another book called Victory City. It has been inspired by the real-life history of Vijayanagar, a once flourishing medieval Hindu Kingdom in South India. The book is a re-imagination of its collapse as a feminist fable about the lust for power and the power of stories. 

Before we review that book, let's have a peek into his earlier written masterpiece - Midnight's Children published in 1981. Midnight's Children sold over one million copies in the UK alone and won the Booker Prize and James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1981. It clinched the "Booker of Bookers" Prize and the best all-time prize winners in 1993 and 2008 to celebrate the Booker Prize's 25th and 40th anniversaries. In 2003 the novel appeared at number 100 on the BBC's The Big Read poll which determined the UK's "best-loved novels" of all time.

What is Midnight's Children?

Midnight's Children is a novel by Salman Rushdie that was first published in 1981. The story is set in India and spans the period from the late 1940s to the early 1980s. It is a complex, multi-layered narrative that explores themes of identity, history, and politics in post-colonial India.

Who is the protagonist?

The novel is narrated by Saleem Sinai, who is born at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, the exact moment that India gained independence from Britain. Saleem claims that he and 1,000 other children born at that moment possess special powers and are linked to one another. He sees himself as a representative of the “midnight's children” and their collective fate.

The Journey and experience

Saleem's life is closely intertwined with the history of modern India. He grows up in the country as it goes through major political and social changes, including the partition of India and Pakistan, the rise of Hindu nationalism, and the Emergency period imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Throughout the novel, Saleem reflects on these events and how they have shaped his own life and the lives of those around him.

As Saleem grows up, he discovers that his powers are both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, they allow him to see into the hearts and minds of others, and on the other, they bring him into conflict with the state and its leaders. Saleem's experiences are also shaped by his family background and his relationships with those around him, including his parents, his wife, and his children.

Magical Storytelling

The novel is characterized by its rich and imaginative storytelling, as well as its blend of magic realism and historical fact. Rushdie weaves together a tapestry of myths, legends, and real-life events to create a vivid and captivating narrative that explores the complexities of Indian identity and history.

Key Themes

One of the central themes of the novel is the idea of identity and the ways in which it is shaped by history and politics. Saleem's own sense of self is constantly changing, as he grapples with his place in the world and the roles that are imposed on him by others. This is reflected in the fragmented and non-linear structure of the novel, which mirrors the fragmented and shifting nature of Saleem's identity.

Another important theme of the novel is the relationship between the individual and the state. Saleem is constantly in conflict with the state, which he sees as oppressive and limiting. He is also acutely aware of the power that the state holds over the lives of its citizens, and the ways in which it can manipulate and control their perceptions of the world.

The novel also explores the idea of history and the ways in which it can be used to shape and manipulate the present. Saleem sees himself as a historian, and he is constantly reflecting on the past and its impact on the present. Through his narrative, Rushdie critiques the official version of Indian history and exposes the ways in which it has been shaped and distorted by those in power.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Midnight's Children is a complex and imaginative novel that explores themes of identity, history, and politics in post-colonial India. Through the life of Saleem Sinai, Rushdie gives us a vivid and captivating account of the country's history and its people, and reveals the ways in which their lives have been shaped by the forces of history and politics. The novel is widely regarded as a masterpiece of modern literature and continues to be widely read and studied today.