The Greatest Salesman in The World Og Mandino Audiobook

she is young Sizwe Dada we show you and to adore oh come on Dino lon – oh man Dino hello this is odd Mandy no some memories of my long ago childhood is still very vivid especially when I think of that special little redheaded Irish lady who was my loving mother she had a special dream for her son someday she would tell me again and again someday you will be a writer not just a writer but a great writer well I bought her dream most kids resent having their parents plan their future but I like the idea a famous writer yes mother had me reading grown-up books from the library long before I entered the first grade and I was always writing short stories for her approval in my senior year of high school I was editor of the school paper and our plans were that in the fall I would attend the University of Missouri because we believed that they had the best journalism school in the country and then six weeks after I graduated from high school my mother dropped dead in our kitchen while she was making lunch for me I had a terrible time trying to deal with her passing instead of going on to college in the fall of 1940 I went to work in a paper Factory and in 1942 I joined the Army Air Corps in 1943 I received my officers Commission and my silver wings as a bombardier I was an officer and a gentleman two weeks before I could legally vote I flew 30 bombing missions over Germany in a b-24 Liberator Jimmy Stewart also flew in the same heavy bombardment group the 445th nice man I returned to the United States after the war had ended and discovered quickly that there wasn’t much of an employment market for bomba Diaz with only a high school education after many months of unemployment checks and painful searching I finally secured a job selling life insurance and married the lady I had been dating before I went to the following 10 years were a living hell for me for her and even for the lovely daughter we had been blessed with it seemed that no matter how many hours of the day and night I worked struggling to sell insurance we drifted deeper and deeper into debt and I began to do what so many frustrated individuals still do today to hide from their problems on the way home after a long day of sales calls and canvassing for business I would stop at a bar room for a drink after all I deserved it didn’t I following such a tough day well soon one drink became – two became four four became six and finally my wife and daughter when they could no longer endure my behavior left me the following two years are no more than a hazy memory I travel the country of my old Ford doing any kind of odd jobs in order to earn enough for another bottle of cheap wine and I spend countless drunken nights in gutters a sorry wretch of a human being in a living hell then one cold wintry morning in Cleveland what I shall never forget I almost took my life I had passed a window of a dingy pawn shop and paused when I saw inside on a shelf a small handgun attached to its barrel was a yellow tag $29 I reached into my pocket and removed three $10 bills all I had in the world and I thought there’s the answer there’s the end to all my problem I’ll buy that gun get a couple of bullets and take them back to that dingy room where I’m staying then I’ll put the bullets in the gun put the gun to my head and pull the trigger and I’ll never have to face that miserable failure in the mirror again I don’t know what happened next I joke about it now and say that I was such a spineless individual at that time that I couldn’t even muster enough courage to do away with myself in any event I didn’t buy that gun as the snow was falling I turned away from the pawnshop and commenced walking until I eventually found myself inside a public library so warm after the outside chills of November I began wandering among the thousands of books until I found myself standing in front of the shelves containing scores of volumes on self-help success and motivation I selected several of them went to a nearby table and commenced reading searching for some answers where had I gone wrong could I ever make it with just a high school education was there any hope for me what about my drinking problem was it too late for me was I doomed now to a life of frustration failure and tears that library visit was the first of many library visits I began making as I wandered across the country searching for AAG Mandino I must have read hundreds of books dealing with success and gradually my drinking subsided then in the library in Concord New Hampshire I discovered W Clement stones great classic success through a positive mental attitude and my life has never been the same since then I was so impressed with stones philosophy of success that one must be prepared to pay a price in order to achieve any worthwhile goals that I wanted to work for the man his book jacket indicated that he was president of combined insurance company of America and I searched until I found a subsidiary of that company in Boston and applied for a salesman’s job at about that same time I met a lovely lady who had a lot more faith in me than I had in myself and when mr.

Stones insurance company hired this 32 year old loser I married the lady Betty and I have now been together for 40 years within a year I was promoted to Sales Manager in the wide open and cold territory of northern Maine I hired several young potato farmers taught them how to sell applying stones philosophy of a positive mental attitude and we were soon breaking company records then I took a week off from work and rented a typewriter you see that dream of writing had never really faded from my heart I wrote a sales manual on how one sells insurance in the rural areas we typed it as neatly as I could and sent it to combined insurances home office in Chicago just praying that someone there would recognize the great talent they had buried in not in Maine well someone did the next thing I knew Betty and I in a new young son Dana were moving to Chicago with all our possessions tied to the roof of a car and I was assigned to the sales promotion department writing company bulletins at last I was finally writing mr.

Stone also published a small house Augen titled success unlimited which was circulated to all his employees and shareholders I had been working at the home office for several months and had become a friend of mr. stones when the editor of his magazine retired I boldly applied for the position although I knew nothing about magazine editing and he not only gave me the job but he also entrusted me with the mission I was to convert his publication from a house organ to a national magazine and I had a blank cheque from him to take all the steps that were necessary to accomplish our goal in the following 10 years our magazine staff grew from 2 to 62 and we attained a page circulation of close to a quarter of a million several months after I became the magazine’s editor I realized that I needed one more article to fill the next issue that was going to press in just a few days and there was nothing suitable in our files well I’m a golf nut and so I went home and worked all night writing a piece about Ben Hogan and his terrible automobile accident when they told him he would never walk again the great man not only walked again he won the national open again I ran the article in success unlimited and then fate took over a letter arrived on my desk from a New York publisher the kind of letter all writers dream about receiving he had enjoyed the Holga nautical and believed I had much talent and if I ever decided to write a book his company would be interested in considering it for publication eighteen months later we published a tiny book entitled the greatest salesman in the world of course since no one had ever heard of augmentee no the first printing was rather small five thousand as I remember but he is where fate stepped in again Rich DeVos co-founder of Amway cooperation was addressing an Amway convention and he told his people that there was a new book just published that he believed would help all of them the greatest salesman in the world written by a man with a funny name he said OGG Mandy no rich divorces testimonial triggered an unbelievable number of book sales in many reprinting when total sales reached 350,000 copies within a couple of years Bantam Books purchased the paperback rights for more money than I believe there was in the entire world the books sales have never abated even now thirty years after initial publication it still continues to sell more than 100,000 copies each month in paperback for many years now I have received approximately 80 to 120 letters each week from grateful readers thanking me for the greatest salesman in the world in relating examples of how the book saved or changed the right is life most amazing to me is how many of these letters are lovingly sent by individuals we would categorize as celebrities in the world of business entertainment or sports I respond to all of them of course but I respect their privacy too much to divulge their names ever what a lucky man I am my beloved mother has been gone now for more than half a century if there is a heaven I wonder if she is looking down on her kid and feeling proud of what he has accomplished I hope so and now more than three decades after I wrote the book and even with my aging voice I am very proud to introduce you to the greatest salesman in the world you tortoiseshell gleaned from couch and the walls inlaid with gems shimmered with broke aids of the most painstaking design huge palms group placidly in bronze vessels framing a fountain of alabaster nymphs while flower boxes encrusted with gems competed with their contents for attention no visitor to high feats palace could doubt that he was indeed a person of great wealth the old man passed through an enclosed garden and entered his warehouse which extended beyond the mansion for five hundred paces Erasmus his chief bookkeeper waited uncertainly just beyond the entryway greetings saya ha fede nodded and continued on in silence her Asmus followed his face unable to disguise concern that the Masters unusual request for a meeting in this place near the loading platforms I feed pause to watch Goods being removed from baggage wagons and counted in two separate stalls there were walls fine linens parchment honey carpets and oil from Asia Minor glass figs nuts-and-bolts him from his own country textiles and drugs from Palmyra ginger cinnamon and precious stones from Arabia con paper granite alabaster and basalt from Egypt tapestries from Babylon paintings from Rome and statues from Greece the smell of balsam was heavy in the air and her feet sensitive all nose detected the presence of sweet plums apples cheese and ginger finally he turned to her Asmus old friend how much wealth is there now accumulated in our treasury Erasmus paled everything master everything I have not studied the numbers recently but I would estimate that there is an excess of seven million gold talents and we’re all the goods in all my warehouses and emporiums converted into gold how much would they bring our inventory is not yet complete for this season saya but I will calculate a minimum of another three million talents I feed nodded purchase no more Goods Institute immediately whatever plans are required to sell everything that is mine and convert all of it to gold the bookkeepers mouth opened but no sound came forth she fell back as if struck and when finally he could speak the words came with effort I do not understand saya this has been a most profitable year every Emporium reports an increase in sales over the previous season even the Roman legions are now our customers but did you not saw the procurator in Jerusalem 200 Arabian stallions within the fortnight forgive my boldness for seldom have I questioned your orders but this command I cannot comprehend how fede smiled and gently grasped her Asmus him my trusted comrade is your memory of sufficient strength to recall the first command you received from me when you entered my employ many years ago erasmus frowned momentarily and then his face brightened I was enjoined by you to remove each year half the profits from my Treasury and dispense it to the poor did you not at that time consider me a foolish man of business ahead great foreboding saya ha fede nodded and spread his arms toward the loading platforms will you now admit that your concern was without ground yes saya then let me encourage you to maintain faith in this decision until I explain my plans I am now an old man and my needs are simple since my beloved Leisha has been taken from me after so many years of happiness it is my desire to distribute all of my wealth among the poor of this city I shall keep only enough to complete my life without discomfort besides disposing of our inventory I wish you to prepare the necessary documents which will transfer the ownership of every Emporium to he who now manages each for me I also wish you to distribute 5000 gold talents to these managers as a reward for the years of loyalty and so that they may restock their shelves in any manner that they desire Erasmus began to speak but ha feeds raised hand silenced him does this assignment seem unpleasant to you the bookkeeper shook his head and attempted to smile no sire it is only that I cannot understand your reasoning your words are those of a man whose days are numbered it is your character Erasmus that your concern should be for me instead of yourself have you no thoughts for your own future when our trade empire is disbanded we have been comrades together for many years how can I now think only of myself ha feet embraced his old friend and replied it is not necessary I ask that you immediately transfer 50,000 gold talents to your name and I beg that you remain with me until a promise I made long ago is fulfilled when that promise is kept I will then bequeath this palace and warehouse to you so I will then be ready to rejoin Leisha the old bookkeeper stared at his master unable to comprehend the words heard 50,000 gold talents the palace the warehouse I am not deserving I feed nodded I have always counted your friendship as my greatest asset what I now bestow on you is of little measure compared to your unending loyalty you have mastered the ad of living not for yourself alone but for others and this concern is stamped the above all as a man among men now I urge you to hasten with the consummation of my plans time is the most precious commodity I possess and the hourglass of my life is nearly filled Erasmus turned his face to hide his tears his voice broke is he asked and what have you promised yet to keep although we have been as brothers never have I heard you talk of such a matter ha feet folded his arms and smiled I will meet with you again when you have discharged my commands of this morning then I will disclose a secret which I have shared with no one except my beloved wife for over 30 years and so it came to pass that a heavily guarded Caravan soon departed from Damascus carrying certificates of ownership and gold for those who managed each of ha feeds trade emporiums from all bed in Joppa turay all at Petra each of the 10 managers received word of HA feeds retirement and gift in stunned silence eventually after making its last stop at the Emporium in ante Patras the caravans mission was complete the most powerful trade empire of its time was no more his heart heavy with sadness Erasmus sent word to his master that the warehouse was now empty and the emporiums no longer bore the proud banner of ha feet the messenger returned with a request that Erasmus meet with his master by the fountain in the peristyle immediately – studied his friends face and asked is it done it is done grieve not kind friend and follow me only the sound of this sandals echoed in the giant chamber is high feel it Erasmus toward the marble stairway at the rear his steps momentarily slowed as he neared a solitary murine vase on a tall stand of citrus wood and he watched as the sunlight changed the glass from white to purple his old face smiled then the two friends began to climb the inner steps that led to the inner room inside the palace dome Erasmus took notice that the armed guard always present at the foot of the steps no longer was there finally they reached a landing and paused since both were without breath from the exertion of the climb then they continued on to a second landing and half heed removed a small key from his belt he unlocked the heavy oak door and leaned against it until it creaked inwards Erasmus hesitated until his master beckoned him inside and then he stepped timidly into the room to which no one had been allowed admission for over three decades gray and dusty light seeped down from turrets above an Erasmus grasped hafiz arm until his eyes became accustomed to the semi-darkness where the faint smile hyphy watched as Erasmus turned slowly in a room that was bare except for a small cedar chest spotlighted in a shaft of sunlight in one corner are you not disappointed Erasmus I know not what to say sire are you not disappointed in the furnishings certainly the contents of this room have been a conversation piece among many have you not wondered or concern yourself with the mystery of what is contained here which I have guided so zealously for so long Erasmus nodded it is true there’s been much talk in many rooms through the years as to what our master kept hidden here in the tower yes my friend and most of them I have heard it has been said that bowels of diamonds were here and gold ingots all wild animals or rehearse a Persian rug merchant hinted that perhaps I maintained a small harem here Leisha laughed at the thought of me with a collection of concubines but as you can observe there was nothing here except a small chest now come forward the two men crouched beside the chest and half feet carefully proceeded to unroll the leather strapping which encircled it he inhaled deeply of the seed of fragrance from the wood and finally he pushed against the cover and it quietly sprung open Erasmus leaned forward instead over ha feet shoulder at the trunks contents he looked at half heed and shook his head in bewilderment there was nothing inside the trunk but scrolls leather Scrolls high feed reached inside and gently removed one of the rolls momentarily clasped it to his breast and closed his eyes a quiet calmness settled over his face brushing away the lines of age then he rose to his feet and pointed toward the chest where this room filled – its beams with diamonds its value could not surpass what your eyes behold in this simple wooden box all the success happiness love peace of mind and wealth that I have enjoyed is directly traceable to what is contained in these few Scrolls my debt to them and to the wise one who entrusted them to my care can never be repaid frightened by the tone in high feeds voice Erasmus stepped back and asked is this the secret to which you have referred is this chest connected in some way with the promise you have yet to keep the answer is yes to both of your questions Erasmus passed his hand across his perspiring forward and looked at javi with disbelief what is written on these Scrolls that places their value beyond that of diamonds all but one of these Scrolls contain a principle a law or fundamental truth written in a unique style to help the reader understand its meaning to become a master in the art of sales one must learn and practice the secret of each scroll when one masters these principles one has the power to accumulate all the wealth he desires Erasmus stared at the old scrolls with dismay as wealthy even as you far wealthier if he chooses you have stated that all but one of these scrolls contain selling principles what is contained on the last scroll the last scroll as you call it is the first scroll which must be read since each is numbered to be read in a special sequence and the first scroll contains a secret which has been given to a mere handful of wise men throughout history the first goal in truth teaches the most effective way to learn what is written on the others it seems to be a task that anyone can master it is indeed a simple task provided one is willing to pay the price in time and concentration until each principle becomes a part of one’s personality until each principle becomes a habit in living Erasmus reached into the chest and removed a scroll holding it gently between his fingers and his thumb he shook it toward high feed forgive me master but why is it that you have not shared these principles with others especially those who have labored long and your employee you have always shown such generosity in all of the matters how is it that all who have sold for you did not receive the opportunity to read these words of wisdom and thus become wealthy – at the very least all would have been better solids of goods with such valuable knowledge why have you kept these principles to yourself for all these years I had no choice many years ago when these girls were entrusted to my care I was made to promise under oath that I would share their contents with only one person I do not yet understand the reasoning behind this strange request however I was commanded to apply the principles of the scrolls to my own life until one day someone would appear who had need for the help and guidance contained in these Scrolls far more than I did when I was a youth I was told that through some sign I would recognize the individual to whom I was to pass the scrolls even though it was possible that the individual would not know that he was seeking the scrolls I have waited patiently and while I waited I applied these principles as I was given permission to do with their knowledge I became what many call the greatest salesman in the world just as he who bequeathed these Scrolls to me was acclaimed as the greatest salesman of his time now Erasmus perhaps you will understand at last why some of my actions through the years seem peculiar and unworkable to you yet they proved successful always were my deeds and decisions guided by these Scrolls therefore it was not through my wisdom that we acquired so many gold talents I was only the instrument of fulfillment do you still believe that he who was to receive these Scrolls from thee will appear after all his time yes ha feet gently replaced the scrolls and closed the chest he spoke softly from his knees will you stay with me until that day Erasmus the bookkeeper reached through soft light until their hands clasped he nodded once and then withdrew from the room as if from an unspoken command from his master hi fede replaced the letter strapping on the chest and then stood and walked to a small turret he stepped through it out onto the scaffold that surrounded the Great Dome you big merchants favorite stallion had ceased munching on the locust a she Oh bushes and settle down against a soft edge of law beyond the long row of silent tense strands of thick hemp curled around for ancient olive trees they found a square Corral and closing shapeless forms of camels and asses huddled together to draw warmth from each others body except for two gods patrolling in the baggage wagons the only movement in the camp was the tall and moving shadow outlined against the goats hail wall of Pathros great tent inside Pat Rose paced angrily back and forth pausing occasionally to frown and shake his head at the youth kneeling timidly near the tent opening finally he lowered his ailing body to the gold woven rug and beckoned the lad to move closer I feed you have always been as my own I am perplexed and puzzled by your strange request are you not content with your work the boy’s eyes were fixed on the rug no saya perhaps the ever increasing size of our caravans has made your task of tending to all I animals too great no saya then kindly repeat your request include also in thy words their reasoning behind such an unusual request it is my desire to become a seller of your goods instead of only your camel boy I wish to become as haddad Simon Caleb and the others who depart from our baggage wagons with animals barely able to crawl from the weight of your goods and who returned with gold for thee and gold also for themselves I desired to improve my lonely position in life has a camel boy I am nothing but as a salesman for you I can acquire wealth and success how do you know this often have I heard you say that no other trade or profession has more opportunity for one to rise from poverty to great wealth than that of salesmen patzers began to nod but not better of it and continue to question the youth dust thou believe you are capable of performing as had ed and the other sellers high feat stared intently at the old man and replied many times have I overheard Caleb complain to you about misfortunes that accounted for his lack of sales and many times have I heard you remind him that anyone could sell all the goods in your Wales within a small passing of time if he but applied himself to learn the principles and laws of selling if you believe that Caleb whom everyone calls a fool can learn these principles and cannot I also acquire the special knowledge if you should master these principles what would be your goal in life hi fede hesitated and then said it has been repeated throughout the land did you have a great salesman the world has never seen a trade empire such as you have built through your mastery of salesmanship my ambition is to become even greater than you the greatest merchants the wealthiest man and the greatest salesman in all the world Pat Rose leaned back and studied the young doc faced the smell from the animals was still on his clothes but the youth displayed little humility in his manner and what would you do with all this great wealth and the fearsome power that will surely accompany it I will do as you do my family will be provided with the finest of worldly goods and the rest I will share with those in need patro shook his head well my son should never be your goal in life your words are eloquent but they are mere words true wealth is of the heart not of the purse I feed persisted I found not wealthy cider the old man smiled at ha feeds baldness I feed so far as material wealth is concerned there is only one difference between myself and the lowliest beggar outside Herod’s Palace the beggar thinks only of his next meal and I think only of the meal there will be my last no my son do not aspire for wealth and labour not only to be rich strive instead for happiness to be loved and to love and more important to acquire peace of mind and serenity ha fede continued to persist but these things are impossible without gold who can live in poverty with peace of mind how can one be happy with an empty stomach how can one demonstrate love for one’s family if he is unable to feed and clothe and house them you yourself have said that wealth is good when it brings joy to others why then is my ambition to be wealthy not a good one poverty may be a privilege and even a way of life for the monk in the desert for he is only himself to sustain and none but his God to please but I consider poverty to be the mark of a lack of ability of a lack of ambition I am NOT deficient in either of these qualities panthro’s frowned what has caused this sudden outburst of ambition you speak of providing for family yet you have no family listed be I who have adopted you since the pestilence removed thy mother and father hi feed son Dakin skin could not hide the sudden flush in his cheeks while we encamped in Hebron before journeying here I met the daughter of cal nee shi shi aho now the truth emergent love not noble ideals has changed my camera boy into a mighty soldier ready to battle the world cal nee is a very wealthy man his daughter and the camel boy never but his daughter in a rich young and handsome merchant uh-huh that is another matter very well my young soldier I will help you begin your career as a salesman the lad fell to his knees and grasped Pedro’s robe saya saya how can I say the words to show my thanks Pat rose freed himself from half-breeds grip and step back I would suggest you withhold I thanks for the present whatever aid I give thee will be as a grain of sand compared to the mountains you must move for yourself high fees joy immediately subsided as he asked will you not teach me the principles and laws that will transform me into a great salesman I will not know more than I have made you early you’d soft and easy through pampering I have been criticized often for condemning my adopted son to a life of a camel boy but I believe that if the right fighter was burning inside it would eventually emerge and when it did you would be far more a man for your years of difficult toil tonight your request has made me happy for the fire of ambition goes in your eyes and your face shines with burning desire this is good and my judgment is vindicated but you must still prove there was more behind your words than air hi feed was silent in the oh man continued first you must prove to me they’re more important to yourself that you can endure the life of a Salesman for it is not an easy lot you have chosen truly many times have you heard me say that the rewards are great if one succeeds but the rewards are great only because so few succeed many succumb to despair and fail without realizing that they already possess all the tools needed to acquire great wealth many others face each obstacle in their path with fear and doubt and consider them as enemies when in truth these obstructions are friends and helpers obstacles are necessary for success because in selling as in all careers of importance victory comes only after many struggle and countless defeat yet each struggle each defeat sharpens your skills and strength your courage and your endurance your ability and your confidence and thus each obstacle is a comrade-in-arms forcing you to become better or quit each rebuff is an opportunity to move forward turn away from them avoid them and you throw away your future the youth nodded it made as if to speak but the old man raised his hand and continued furthermore you have embarking on the loneliest profession in the world even the despised tax collectors returned to their homes at sundown and the legions of Rome have a barracks to call home but you will witness many setting sun’s fire from all friends and loved ones nothing can bring the heard of loneliness upon a man so swiftly has to pass a strange house in the dark and witness in the lamp light from within a family breaking evening bread together it is in these periods of loneliness that temptations will confront thee panthro’s continued how you meet these temptations will greatly affect your career when you are on the road with only your animal it is a strange and often frightening sensation often our perspectives and our values are temporarily forgotten and we become like children longing for the safety and love of our own what we find as a substitute has ended the career of many including thousands who were considered to have great potential in the art of selling furthermore there will be no one to humour you or console you when you have sold no goods no one except those who seek to separate you from your money pouch I will be careful and he died words of warning then let us begin for the present you will receive no more advice you stand before me as a green fig until the figures ripe it cannot be called a fig and until you have been exposed to knowledge and experience you cannot be called a Salesman how shall I begin in the morning you are to report to Sylvio at the baggage wagons he will release in your charge one of our finest seamless robes it is woven from the hair of a goat and will withstand even the heaviest rains and it has dyed red from the roots of the madder plant so that the color will always hold fast near the hem you will find sewn on the inside a small star this is the mock of Tola whose guild makes the finest robes in all the world next to the star is my mock a circle within a square both these marks are known and respected throughout the land and we have sold countless thousands of these robes I have dealt with the Jews so long that I only know their name for such a garment is this it is called an abaya take the robe and a donkey and a pod at dawn for Bethlem the village which I Caravan passed through before riding here none of our salads ever visit there they report that it is a waste of time because the people are so poor yet many years ago I sold hundreds of robes among the shepherds there remain in Bethlehem until you have sold the robe Hoffy nodded attempting in vain to conceal his excitement at what price shall I sell the robe master I will enter a charge of 1 silver Denarius against your name on my ledger when you return you will remit one silver Denarius to me keep all did you receive in excess of this as your commission so in fact you set the price of the robe yourself you may visit the marketplace which is at the South entry of town or you may wish to consider calling on each dwelling in the town itself of which I am certain there are over a thousand certainly it is conceivable that one robe can be sold there do you not agree I feed nighted again his mind already on the morrow potsos placed as he and gently on the land shoulder I will place no one in your position until you return if you discover that your stomach is not for this profession I will understand and you must not consider yourself in disgrace never feel shame for trying and failing for he who has never failed is he who has never tried upon your return I will question you at length concerning your experiences then I will decide how I shall proceed with helping you to make your outlandish dreams come true I feed bowed and turned to leave but the old man was not finished son there is one precept that you must remember as you begin this new life keep it always in your mind and you will overcome seemingly impossible obstacles that are certain to confront you as do everyone with ambition I feed waited yes saya failure will never overtake you if your determination to succeed is strong enough patro step close to the youth do you comprehend the full meaning of my words yes sire then repeat them to me failure will never overtake me with my determination to succeed is strong enough ha fede pushed aside the half-eaten loaf of bread and considered his unhappy fate tomorrow would be his fourth day in Bethlehem and the single red road that he had carried so confidently away from the caravan was still in the pack on the back of his animal now Ted the tour stake in the cave behind the inn he heard not the noise that surrounded him in the overcrowded dining hall as he scowled at his unfinished meal doubts that have assailed every sala since the beginning of time passed through his mind why will the people not listen to my story how does one command their attention why do they close their door before I have said five words why do they lose interest in my talk and walk away is everyone poor in this town what can I say when they tell me they like the robe but cannot afford it why do so many tell me to return at a later date how do others sell when I cannot what is this fear that seizes me when I approach a closed door and how can I overcome it is my price not in line with the other sellers he shook his head and discussed at his failure perhaps this was not the life for him perhaps he should remain a camel boy and continue earning only coppers for each day’s labor as a seller of goods he would indeed be fortunate if he returned to the caravan with any profit at all what did Pat Rose called him a young soldier he wished momentarily that he were back with his animals then his thoughts turned to Leisha and to her Stern father Cal nay the doubts quickly left his mind tonight he would again sleep in the hills to conserve his funds and tomorrow he would sell the robe furthermore he would speak with such eloquence that the robe would bring a good price he would begin early just after dawn and stationed himself near the town well he would address everyone that approached and within a short time he would be returning to the Mount of Olives with silver in his purse he reached for the unfinished bread and began to eat while he thought of his master pathos would be proud of him because he had not despaired and returned as a failure in truth for days was much too long a time to consummate the Sailor but one simple robe but if he could accomplish the deed in four days he knew he could learn from Pat Rose how to accomplish it in three days then two days in time he would become so proficient that he would sell many robes every hour then he would indeed be a Salesman or reputed he departed from the noisy in and headed toward the cave and his animal the chilled air it’s different the grass with a thin coating of frost and each blade crackled with complaint from the pressure of his sandals Hoffy decided not to ride into the hills tonight instead he would rest in the cave with his animal tomorrow he knew would be a better day although now he understood why the others always bypassed this unprosperous village they had said that no sales could be made here and he had recalled their words every time someone had refused to buy his robe yet Pat Rose had sold hundreds of robes here many years ago perhaps times have been different then and after all pants rose was a great salesman a flickering light from the cave caused him to hasten his steps for fear that a thief was within he rushed through the opening in the limestone ready to overcome the criminal and recover his possessions instead the tenseness immediately left his body at the site that confronted him a small candle forced between a cleft in the cave wall shone faintly on a bearded man and a young woman huddled closely together at their feet in a hollowed-out stone that usually held cattle fodder slept an infant high feed knew little of such things but he sensed that the baby was newborn and the child’s wrinkled in crimson skin to protect the sleeping infant from the cold both the man’s and the woman’s cloaks covered all but the small head the man nodded in half EADS direction while the woman moved closer to the child no one spoke then the woman trembled in high feet saw that her thin garment offered little protection against the dampness of the cave Hoffy looked again at the infant he watched fascinated as the small mouth opened and closed almost in a smile and a strange sensation passed through him for some unknown reason he thought of Alicia the woman trembled again from the cold and her sudden movement returned half feet from his daydreaming after painful moments of indecision there would be seller of goods walked to his animal he carefully untied the knots opened his pack and withdrew the robe he unrolled it and rubbed his hands over the material the red dye glowed in the candlelight and he could see the mock of pathos and the mock of Tola on its underside the circle in the square and the star how many times had he held this robe in his tired arms in the past three days seemed as if he knew every weave and fiber of it this was indeed a robe of quality with care it would last a lifetime huffy closed his eyes inside and he walked swiftly toward the small family knelt on the straw beside the infant and gently removed first the father’s tatted cloak and then the mothers from the manger he handed each back to its owner both were too shocked at hafiz boldness to react then ha fede opened his precious red robe and wrapped it gently around the sleeping child moisture from the young mother’s kiss was still unhappy cheap as he led his animal out of the cave directly above him was the brightest star Hoffy had ever seen he’s dead up at it until his eyes filled with tears and then he headed his animal through the path that led toward the main road back Jerusalem and the caravan on the mountain ha fede rode slowly his head bowed so that he no longer noticed the stun spreading his path of light before him why had he committed such a foolish act he knew not those people in the cave why had he not attempted to solve the rogue to them what would he tell Pedro’s and the others they would roll on the ground with laughter when they learned he had given away a robe with which he had been charged and to a strange baby in a cave he searched his mind for a tale that would deceive Pathros perhaps he could say that the robe had been stolen from his animal while he was in the dining hall but patzers believed such a tale after all there were many bandits in the land and should pathos believed him would he not then be condemned for carelessness all too soon he reached a pot that led through the Garden of Gethsemane he dismounted and walked wearily ahead of the mule until he arrived at the caravan the light from above made it seem as daylight and the confrontation he had been dreading was quickly upon him as he saw Pedro’s outside his tent staring into the heavens I feed remained motionless but the old man noticed him almost immediately there was aa in the voice of pathos as he approached the youth and asked have you come directly from Bethlehem yes master are you not alarmed that a star should follow you I had not noticed sire had not noticed I have been unable to move from the spot since I first saw that star rise over Bethlehem nearly two hours ago never have I seen one with more color and brightness then as I watched it began to move in the heavens and approached our Caravan now that it is directly overhead you appear and by the gods it moves no more Pat Rosa approached high feed and studied the youths face closely as he asked did you participate in some extraordinary event while in Bethlehem no saya your man frowned is it deep in thought I have never known a night hour an experience such as this I feed flinched this night I shall never forget either master Oh hold and something did indeed happen this evening how is it that thou returned it to such a late hour our feed was silent as the old man turned and prided at the pack on high feed mule it is empty success at last come into my tent and tell me of your experiences since the gods of turn night in today I cannot sleep and perhaps your words will furnish some clue as to why a star should follow a camel boy patas reclined on his cart and listened with closed eyes too hot feeds long tale of endless refusals rebuffs and insults which had been encountered in bedlam occasionally he would nod as when Hoffy described a pottery merchants who had thrown him widely from his shop and he smiled when told of the roman soldier who had flung de Robeck in hot beads face when the young sulla had refused to reduce his price finally high feed his voice hoarse and muffled was describing all the doubts that had beset him in the end this very evening pathros interrupted him i feed as well as you can recall relate to me every doubt that passed through your mind as you sat feeling sorry for yourself when half reed had named them all to the best of his recollection the old man asked now what thought finally entered your mind which drove away the doubts and gave you new courage to decide to try again to sell the robe on the morrow I feed considered his reply for a moment and then said I thought only of the daughter of Cal nee even in that foul in I knew that I could never face her again if I failed then hai feeds voice broker but I failed her anyway you failed I do not understand the robe did not return with thee in a voice so low that Patras found it necessary to lean forward in order to hear I feed related the incident of the cave the infant and the robe as the youth spoke pathos glanced again and again at the open tent flap and the brightness beyond which still illuminated the campgrounds a smile began to form on his puzzled face and he did not notice that the lad had ceased with his story and was now sobbing soon the sobs subsided and there was only silence in the great tent high feet did not look up at his master he had failed and proven that he was ill-equipped to be anything more than a camel boy he fought back the urge to leap up and run from the tent then he felt the great salesman’s hand on his shoulder and forced himself to look into the eyes of Patras my son this trip has not been a much profit to you no sire but to me it has the style which fallen you has cured me of a blindness that I am reluctant to admit I will explain this matter to you only after we return to Palmyra now I make a request of thee yes master our sellers will begin returning to the caravan before sundown tomorrow and their animals will need your care are you willing to return to your duties as camel boy for the present i fee Drozd resignedly and bowed toward his benefactor whatever you ask of me that I will do and I am sorry that I have failed you go then and prepare for the return of our men and we shall meet again when we are in Palmyra as hafidh stepped through the tent opening bright light from above momentarily blinded him he rubbed his eyes and heard pathos call from inside the tent the youth turned and step back inside waiting for the old man to speak pathos pointed toward him and said sleep in peace for you have not failed the bright star remained above throughout the night nearly a fortnight after the caravan returned to its headquarters in Palmyra Hoffy was awakened from his straw cotton stable and summoned to appear before pathos he hastened to the bedchamber of the master and stood uncertainly before the huge bed which dwarfed its occupant Pat Rose opened his eyes and struggle with his coverings until he was sitting upright his face was gaunt and blood vessels bulged in his hands it was difficult for happy to believe that this was the same man with whom he had spoken only 12 days ago Pat throws motion toward the lower half of the bed and the youth said carefully on its edge waiting for the old man to speak even Pat rose voice was different in sound and pitch from their last meeting my son ye have had many days to reconsider your ambitions is a still within lead to become a great salesman yes sire the ancient head nodded so be it I had planned to spend much time with you but as you can see there are other plans for me although I consider myself a good salesman I am unable to sell death under parting from my door he has been waiting for days like a hungry dog at a kitchen door like the dog he knows it eventually the door will be left unguarded coughing interrupted pat rose and ha peed sat motionless as the old man gasped for air finally the cough ceased and Pedro smiled weakly our time together is brief so let us begin first remove the small seated chest which is beneath this bed ha fede knelt and pulled out a small leather strapped box he placed it below the contour made by Potter’s legs on the bed the old man cleared his throat many years ago when I possessed less status than even a camel boy I was privileged to rescue a traveler from the East who had been set upon by two bandits he insisted that I had saved his life in wish to reward me although I sought none since I had neither a family not funds she enjoyed me to return with him to his home and kin where I was accepted as one of his own one day after I had grown accustomed to my new life he introduced me to this chest inside were 10 leather Scrolls each one numbered the first contained the secret of learning the others contain all the secrets and principles necessary to become a great success in the art of selling for the next year I was tutored each day on the wise words of the scrolls and with the secret of learning from the first goal I eventually memorized every word on every scroll until they had become a part of my thinking and my life they became habit at last I was presented with the chest containing all 10 Scrolls a sealed letter and a purse containing 50 gold pieces the seal Lenna was not to be opened until my adopted home was out of sight i bade the family farewell and waited until I had reached a trade route to Palmyra before opening the letter the contents commanded me to take the gold pieces apply what I had learned from the scrolls and begin a new life the letter further commanded me to always share half of whatever wealth I would acquire with others less fortunate but the letter Scrolls were knighted to be given no I shared with anyone until the day when I would be given a special sign it would tell me who was next chosen to receive these Scrolls hi fede shook his head I do not understand saya I will explain I have remained on watch for this person with a sign for many years and while I watched I applied when I learned from the Scrolls to amass a great fortune I had almost come to believe that no such person would ever appear before my debt until you returned from your trip to Bethlehem my first inkling that you were the chosen one to receive the scrolls came upon me when you appeared under the bright star that had followed you from Bethlehem in my heart I have tried to comprehend the meaning of this event but I am resigned not to challenge the actions of the gods then when you told me of giving up the rogue which meant so much to you something within my heart spoke and told me that my long search was ended I had finally found he who was ordained to next received the chest strangely as soon as I knew I had found the right one my life’s energy began to slowly drain away now I am near the end but my long search is over and I can depart from this world in peace the old man’s voice grew faint but he clenched his bony fists and leaned closer to half heed listen closely my son for I will have no strength to repeat these words hafiz eyes were moist as he moved nearer to his master their hands touched and the great salesman inhaled with effort I now pass on this chest in its valuable contents to thee but first there are certain conditions to which you must agree in the chest as a purse with 100 gold talent this will enable you to live and purchase a small supply of rugs with which you can enter the business world I could bestow on you great wealth but this would do you a terrible disservice far better is it that you become the world’s wealthiest and greatest salesman on your own you see I have not forgotten your goal depart from the city immediately and go to Damascus there you will find unlimited opportunities to apply what the scrolls will teach after you have secured lodging you open only the scroll marked one you had to read this over and over until you understand fully the secret method which it relates in which you were use in learning the principles of selling success contained on all the other Scrolls as you learn from each scroll you can begin to solve the rugs you have purchased and if you combine what you’ll learn with the experience you acquire and continue to study each scroll as instructed your sails will grow in number each day my first condition then is that you must swear under oath that you will follow the instructions contained in the scroll marked one do you agree yes saya good good and when you apply the principles of the scrolls you will become far wealthier than you have ever dreamed my second condition is that you must constantly dispose of happier earnings to those less fortunate than you there must be no deviation from this condition do you agree yes saya and now the most Fortin condition of all you are forbidden to share the scrolls are the wisdom they contain with anyone one day there will appear a person who will transmit to you a sign just as the star and your unselfish actions were the sign I saw it when this happens you will recognize the sign even though the person transmitting it may be ignorant that he is the chosen person when your heart is you that you are correct you will pass over to him or her the chest and its contents and when this is done they need be no conditions imposed on the receiver such as we imposed on me and which I now impose on you the letter which I received so long ago commanded that the third to receive the Scrolls could share their message with the world if he so desires do you promise to carry out this third condition I will patricide and relief as if a heavy weight had been removed from his body he smiled weakly and cupped high feeds face in his bony hands take the chest and a pot I will see the normal go with my law and with my wishes for success and may your Lisha ventually share all the happiness your future will bring you tears unashamedly roll down high feeds cheeks as he took the chest and carried it through the open bedroom door he paused outside place the chest on the floor and turned back toward his master failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough the old man smiled faintly and nodded he raised his hand and farewell ha feed animal and to the walled city of Damascus through the east gate he rode along the street called straight with doubts and trepidations and the noise and shoutings from hundreds of bazaars did little to ease his fear it was one thing to arrive in allied city with a powerful trade Caravan such as that of Patras there was another to be unprotected and alone Street merchants rushed at him from all sides holding up merchandise each screaming louder than the next he passed sul liked shops and bazaars displaying craftsmanship of coppersmith silversmith Sadler’s weavers carpenters and each step of his mule brought him face to face with another vendor hands outstretched wailing words of self-pity directly ahead of him beyond the western wall of the city rose Mount Hermon although the season was summer its top was still kept with white and it seemed to look down in the cacophony of the Makkah place with tolerance and forbearance eventually javi turned off the famous Street and inquired about lodging which he had no difficulty finding in an inn called Moshe his room was clean and he paid his rent for a month in advance which immediately established his standing with Antonin the owner then he stapled his animal behind the inn paid himself in the waters of the bharata and returned to his room he placed a small cedar chest at the foot of his cot and proceeded to unroll the lettuce trappings the cover opened easily and he gazed down at the leather Scrolls finally he reached inside and touched the leather it gave under his fingers as if it were alive and he heavily withdrew his hand he arose and stepped toward the latticed window through which sounds poured from the noisy marketplace nearly half a mile distant fear and doubt returned again as he looked in the direction of the muffled voices and he felt his confidence waning he closed his eyes leaned his head against a wall and cried aloud how foolish I am to dream that I a mere camel boy will one day be acclaimed as the greatest salesman in the world when I have not even the courage to ride to the stalls of the hawkers in the street today mine eyes have witnessed hundreds of salesmen all far better equipped for their profession than I all had boldness enthusiasm and persistence all seemed equipped to survive in the jungle of the market how stupid and presumptuous to think I can compete with and surpass them Pathros by pathos I feared that I will fail you again he threw himself on his cotton weary from his travels he sobbed until he slept when he awoke it was morning even before he opened his eyes he heard the chip then he sat up and stared in disbelief at the sparrow perched on the open cover of the chest containing the scrolls he ran to the window outside thousands of sparrows clustered in the fig trees and sycamores each welcoming the day with song as he watched some landed on the window ledge but quickly flew away when happy moved even slightly then he turned and looked at the chest again his feathered visitor cocked its head and stared back at the youth – walked slowly to the chest his hand extended the bird leaped into his palm thousands of your kine are outside and afraid but you had the courage to come through the window the bird pecks Shafi at ha feet skin and the youth carried him toward the table where his knapsack contained bread and cheese he broke off chunks and placed them beside his small friend who began to eat a thought came to ha feed and he returned to the window he rubbed his hand against the openings in the lattice they were so small that it seemed almost impossible for the sparrow to have ended then he remembered the voice of pathos and he repeated the words aloud failure will never overtake you if your determination to succeed is strong enough he returned to the chest and reached inside one leather scroll was more worn than the rest he removed it from the box and gently unrolled it the fear he had known was gone then he looked toward the sparrow he too was gone all the crumbs of bread and cheese remained as evidence of his visit from the little bird with courage I feed glance down at the scroll it’s heading read the scroll marked one he began to read the scroll marked three I will persist until I succeed in the Orient young bulls are tested for the fight arena in a certain manner each is brought to the ring and allowed to attack a Picador who pricks them with a lance the bravery of each Bowl is then raided with care according to the number of times he demonstrates his willingness to charge in spite of the sting of the blade henceforth will I recognize that each day I am tested by life in like manner if I persist if I continue to try if I continue to charge forward I will succeed I will persist until I succeed I was not delivered unto this world in defeat not as fare your course in my veins I am NOT a sheep waiting to be prodded by my Shepherd I am a lion and I refuse to talk to walk to sleep with the Sheep I will hear not those who weep and complain for their disease as contagious let them join the Sheep the slaughterhouse of failure is not my destiny I will persist until I succeed the prizes of life are at the end of each journey not near the beginning and it is not given to me to know how many steps are necessary in order to reach my goal failure I may still encounter at a thousand step yet success hides behind the next bend in the road never well I know how close it lies unless I turn the corner always will I take another step if that is of no avail I will take another and yet another in truth one step at a time is not too difficult I will persist until I succeed henceforth I will consider each day’s effort as but one blow of my blade against a mighty oak the first blow may cause not a tremor in the wood not a second not a third each blow of itself may be trifling and seem of no consequence yet from childish swipes the oak will eventually tumble so it will be with my efforts of today I will be likened to the raindrop which washes away the mountain the ant who devours a tiger the style which brightens the earth the slave who builds a pyramid I will build my castle one brick at a time for I know that small attempts repeated will complete any undertaking I will persist until I succeed I will never consider defeat and I will remove from my vocabulary such words and phrases as quit cannot unable impossible out of the question improbable failure unworkable hopeless and retreat for they are the words of fools I will avoid despair but if this disease of the mind should affect me then I will work on in despair I will toil and I will endure I will ignore the obstacles at my feet and keep mine eyes on the goals above my head for I know that we’re dry desert ends green grass grows i will persist until I succeed I will remember the ancient law of averages and I will bend it to my good I will persist with knowledge that each failure to sell will increase my chance for success at the next attempt each day I hear or bring me closer to the sound of yay each frown I meet only prepares me for the smile to come each misfortune I encounter will carry in at the seed of tomorrow’s good luck I must have the night to appreciate the day I must fail often to succeed only once I will persist until I succeed I will try and try and try again each obstacle I will consider as a mere detour to my goal and a challenge to my profession I will persist and develop my skills as the mariner develops his by learning to ride out the wrath of each storm I will persist until I succeed henceforth I will learn and another secret of those who excel in my work when each day is ended not regarding whether it has been a success or a failure I will attempt to achieve one more sale when my thoughts beckon my tired body homeward I will resist the temptation to depart I will try again I will make one more attempt to close with victory and if that fails I will make another never will I allow any day to end with a failure thus will I plant the seed of tomorrow success and gain an insurmountable advantage over those who cease their labor at a prescribed time when others cease their struggle then mine will begin and my harvest will be full I will persist until I succeed now will I allow yesterday’s success to lull me into today’s complacency but this is the greatest foundation of failure I will forget the happenings of the day that is gone whether they were good or bad and greet the new Sun with confidence that this will be the best day of my life so long as there is breath in me that long will I persist for now I know one of the greatest principles of success if I persist long enough I will win I will persist I will win the scroll mocked I am nature’s greatest miracle since the beginning of time never has there been another with my mind my heart my eyes my ears my hands my hair my mouth none that came before none that lived today and none that come tomorrow can walk and talk and move and think exactly like me all men are my brothers yet I am different from each I am a unique creature I am nature’s greatest miracle although I am of the animal kingdom and the more rewards alone will not satisfy me within me burns a flame which has been passed from generations uncounted and its heat is a constant irritation to my spirit to become better than I am and I will I will fan this flame of dissatisfaction and proclaim my uniqueness to the world none can duplicate my brushstrokes none can make my chisel mocks none can duplicate my handwriting none can produce my child and in truth none has the ability to sell exactly as I henceforth I will capitalize on this difference for it is an asset to be promoted to the fullest I am nature’s greatest miracle vain attempts to imitate others no longer will I make instead will I place my uniqueness on display in the marketplace I will proclaim it yay I will solace I will begin now to accent my differences hide my similarities so true will I apply this principle to the goods I saw salesmen and goods different from all others and proud of the difference I am a unique creature of nature I am rare and there is value in all rarity therefore I am valuable I am the end product of thousands of years of evolution therefore I am better equipped in both mind and body than all the Emperor’s and wise men who preceded me but my skills my mind my heart and my body will stagnate rot and die less I put them to good use I have unlimited potential only a small portion of my brain do I employ only a paltry amount of my muscles do i flex a hundredfold or more can I increase my accomplishments of yesterday and this I will do beginning today never more will I be satisfied with yesterday’s accomplishments now will I indulge anymore in self praise for deeds which in reality are too small to even acknowledge I can accomplish far more than I have and I will oh I should the miracle which produced me in with my birth why can’t I not extend that miracle to my deeds of today I am nature’s greatest miracle I am not in this earth by chance I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain not to shrink to a grain of sand henceforth will I apply all my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until a cries for mercy I will increase my knowledge of mankind myself and the goods I sell thus my sales will multiply I will practice and improve and polish the words I audit to sell my goods but this is the foundation on which I will build my career and never will I forget that many have attained great wealth and success with only one sales talk delivered with excellence also will I seek constantly to improve my manners and graces but they are the sugar to which all are attracted I am nature’s greatest miracle I will concentrate my energy on the challenge of the moment and my actions will help me forget all else the problems of my home will be left in my home I will think not of my family when I am in the marketplace but this will cloud my thoughts so too will the problems of the marketplace be left in the Makah place and I will think not of my profession when I am in my home but this will dampen my love there is no room in the marketplace for my family nor is there room in my home for the market each I will divorce from the other and that’s what I remain wedded to both separate must they remain on my career will die this is a paradox of the ages I am nature’s greatest miracle I’ve been given eyes to see and a mind to think and now I know a great secret of life for I perceive at last that all my problems discouragements and heartaches are in truth great opportunities in disguise I will no longer be fooled by the garments they wear for mine eyes are open I will look beyond the clot and I will not be deceived I am nature’s greatest miracle no Beast no plant no wind no rain no rock no Lake had the same beginning as I for I was conceived in love and brought forth with a purpose in the past I have not considered this fact but it will henceforth shape and guide my life I am nature’s greatest miracle and nature knows not defeat eventually she emerges victorious and so will I and with each victory the next struggle becomes less difficult I will win and I will become a great salesman for I am unique I am nature’s greatest miracle the scroll marked five I will live this day as if it is my last and what shall I do with this last precious day which remains in my keeping first I will seal up its container of life so that not one drop spills itself upon the sand I will waste not a moment morning yesterday’s misfortunes yesterday’s defeat yesterday’s aches of the hat why should I throw good after bad can sans flow upward in the hourglass will the Sun rise where it sets and set where it rises can I relive the errors of yesterday and write them can I call back yesterday’s wounds and make them whole can I become younger than yesterday can I take back the evil that was spoken the blows that were struck the pain that was caused no yesterday is buried forever and I will think of it no more I will live this day as if it is my last and what then shall I do forgetting yesterday neither all I think of tomorrow why should I throw now after maybe can tomorrow sand flow through the glass before today’s will the Sun rise twice this morning can I perform tomorrow’s deeds while standing in today’s path can I place tomorrow’s gold in today’s purse can tomorrow’s child be born today can tomorrow’s death cast its shadow backward and Dokken today’s joy should i concern myself over events which I may never witness should I torment myself with problems that may never come to pass no tomorrow lies buried with yesterday and I will think of it no more I will live this day as if it is my last this day is all I have and these hours are now my eternity I greet the sunrise with cries of joy as a prisoner who is reprieved from death I lift mine arms with thanks for this priceless gift of the new day so too I will beat upon my heart with gratitude as I consider all who greeted yesterday sunrise who are no longer with the living today I am indeed a fortunate man today’s hours about a bonus undeserved why have I been allowed to live this extra day when others far better than I have departed is it that they have accomplished their purpose while mine is yet to be achieved is this another opportunity for me to become the man I know I can be is there a purpose in nature is this my day to excel I will live this day as if it is my last I have but one life and life is not but a measurement of time when I waste one I destroy the other but by waste today I destroy the last page of my life therefore each hour of this day will I cherish for it can never return it cannot be banked today to be withdrawn on the morrow for who can trap the wind each minute of this day will I grasp with both hands and follow with love for its value is beyond price what dying man can purchase another breath though he willingly give all his gold what price do I place on the hours ahead I will make them priceless I will live this day as if it is my last I will avoid with fury the killers of time procrastination I will destroy with action doubt I will bury under fate fear I will dismember with confidence where there are idle mouths I will listen not with their idle hands I will linger lot with their idle bodies I will visit not henceforth I know that the court idleness is to steal food clothing and warmth from those I love I am NOT a thief I am a man of love and today is my last chance to prove my love and my greatness I will live this day as if it is my last the duties of today I shall fulfill today today I shall fondle my children while they are young tomorrow they will be gone and so will I today I shall embrace my woman with sweet kisses tomorrow she will be gone and so rely I shall lift up a friend in need tomorrow he will no longer cry for help now all I hear is cries today I shall give myself in sacrifice and work tomorrow I will have nothing to give and there will be none to receive I will live this day as if it is my last and if it is my last it will be my greatest monument this day I will make the best day of my life this day I will drink every minute to its full I will savor its taste and give thanks I will make it every hour count in each minute I will trade only for something of value I will labor harder than ever before and push my muscles until they cry for relief and then I will continue I will make more calls than ever before however sell more Goods than ever before I will earn more gold than ever before each minute of today will be more fruitful than hours of yesterday my last must be my best I will live this day as if it is my last and if it is not I shall fall to my knees and give thanks the scroll might see today I will be master of my emotions the tides advanced the tides recede winter goes and summer comes summer wanes and the cold increases the Sun rises the Sun set the moon is full the moon is black the birds arrive the birds depart flowers bloom flowers fade seeds are sown harvester reap all nature is a circle of moods and I am a part of nature and soul like the tides my moods will rise my moods will fall today I will be master of my emotions it is one of nature’s tricks little understood that each day I awaken with moods that have changed from yesterday yesterday joy will become today’s sadness yet today sadness will grow into tomorrow’s joy inside me is a wheel constantly turning from sadness to joy from exultation to depression from happiness to melancholy like the flowers today’s full bloom of joy will fade and with the inter despondency yet I will remember that as today’s dead flower carries a seat of tomorrow’s bloom so too does today’s sadness carried a seed of tamara’s joy today I will be master of my emotions and how will I mastered these emotions so that each day will be productive for less my mood is right the day will be a failure trees and plants depend on the weather to flourish but I make my own weather yay I transported with me if I bring rain and gloom and darkness and pessimism to my customers then they will react with rain and gloom and darkness and pessimism and they will purchase not if I bring joy and enthusiasm and brightness and laughter to my customers they will react with joy and enthusiasm and brightness and laughter and my weather will produce a harvest of sales and a granary of gold for me today I will be master of my emotions and how will I master my emotions so that every day is a happy day and a productive one I will learn this secret of the ages week is he who permits his thoughts to control his actions strong is he who forces his actions to control his thoughts each day when I awake I will follow this plan of battle before I am captured by the forces of sadness self-pity and failure if I feel depressed I will sing and if I feel sad I will laugh if I feel ill I will double my labor if I feel fear I will plunge ahead if I feel inferior I will wear new garments if I feel uncertain I will raise my voice if I feel poverty I will think of wealth to come if I feel incompetent I will remember past success if I feel insignificant I will remember my goals today I will be master of my emotions henceforth I will know that only those with inferior ability can always be at their best and I am not inferior there will be days when I must constantly struggle against forces which would tear me down those such as despair and sadness a simple to recognize but there are others which approach with a smile and the hand of friendship and they can also destroy me against them too I must never relinquish control if I become overconfident I will recall my failure if I over indulge I will think of past hungers if I feel complacency I will remember my competition if I enjoy moments of greatness I will remember moments of shame if I feel all-powerful I will try to stop the wind if i attain great wealth I will remember one unfed mount if I become overly proud I will remember a moment of weakness if I feel my skill is unmatched I will look at the Stars today I will be master of my emotions and with this new knowledge i will also understand and recognize the moods of yeon whom i call I will make allowances for his anger an irritation of today for he knows not the secret of controlling his mind I can withstand his arrows and insults but now I know that tomorrow he will change and be a joy to approach no longer will I judge a man on one meeting no longer will I fail to call again tomorrow and he who meets me with hate today this day he will not buy gold chariots for a penny yet tomorrow he would exchange his home for a tree my knowledge of the secret will be my key to great wealth today I will be master of my emotions henceforth I will recognize and identify the mystery of moods in all mankind and in me from this moment I am prepared to control whatever personality awakes in me each day I will master my moods through positive action and when I master my moods I will control my destiny today I control my destiny and my destiny is to become the greatest salesman in the world I will become master of myself I will become great the scroll mocked seven I will laugh at the world no living creature can laugh except man trees may bleed when they are wounded and beasts in the field will cry in pain and hunger yet only I have the gift of laughter and it is mine to use whenever I choose henceforth I will cultivate the habit of laughter I will smile and my digestion will improve I will chuckle and my burdens will be lightened I will laugh and my life will be lengthened but this is the great secret of long life and now it is mine I will laugh at the world and most of all I will laugh at myself for man is most comical when he takes himself too seriously never will I fall into this trap of the mind but though I be nature’s greatest miracle am I not still a mere grain tossed about by the winds of time do I truly know whence I came or whether I am bound will my concern for this day not seem foolish ten years hence why should I permit the petty happenings of today to disturb me what can take place before this sunset which will not seem insignificant in the river of centuries I will laugh at the world and how can I laugh when confronted with man or deed which offends me so as to bring forth my tears or my chrissa’s for words I will train myself to say until they become a habit so strong that immediately they will appear in my mind whenever good Yuma threatens to depart from me these words passed down from the Ancients will carry me through every adversity and maintain my life in balance these four words are this too shall pass I will laugh at the world for all worldly things shall indeed pass well I am heavy with heartache I shall console myself that this too shall pass and when I am puffed with success I shall wand myself that this too shall pass what I am strangled in poverty I shall tell myself that this too shall pass what I am burdened with wealth I shall tell myself that this too shall pass yay verily we is he who built the pyramid is he not buried within its stone and will the pyramid one day not also be buried under sand if all things shall pass why should I be of concern for today I will laugh at the world I will paint this day with laughter I will frame this night in song never will I lay but to be happy rather will I remain too busy to be sad I will enjoy today’s happiness today it is not grain to be stored in a box it is not wine to be saved in a jar it cannot be saved for the morrow it must be sown and reaped on the same day and this I will do henceforth I will laugh at the world with my laugh to all things will be reduced to their proper size I will laugh at my failures and they were vanishing clouds of new dreams I will laugh at my successes and they will shrink to their true value I will laugh at evil and it will die untested I will laugh at goodness and it will thrive and abound each day will be triumphant only when my smiles bring forth smiles from others and this I do in selfishness but those on whom I frown on those who purchased not my goods I will laugh at the world henceforth will I should only tears of sweat but those are sadness or remorse of frustration or of no value in the marketplace whilst each smile can be exchanged for gold and each kind word spoken from my heart can build a castle never will I allow myself to become so important so wise so dignified so powerful that I forget how to laugh at myself in my world in this matter I will always remain as a child for only as a child am i given the ability to look up to others and so long as I look up to another I will never grow too long for my bed I will laugh at the world and so long as I can laugh never will I be poor this then is one of nature’s greatest gifts and I will waste it no more only with laughter and happiness can I truly become a success only with laughter and happiness can I enjoy the fruits of my labor were it not so far better would it be to fail but happiness is the wine that sharpens the taste of the meal to enjoy success I must have happiness and laughter will be the maiden who serves me I will be happy I will be successful I will be the greatest salesman the world has ever known the scroll not eight today I will multiply my value a hundredfold a mulberry leaf touch with the genius of man becomes silk a field of clay touch with the genius of man becomes a castle a cypress tree touch with the genius of man becomes a shrine a cut of sheeps here touch with the genius of man becomes raiment for a king if it is possible for leaves and clay and wood and here to have their value multiplied a hundred year thousandfold by man cannot I do the same with the clay which bears my name today I will multiply my value a hundredfold I am liken to a grain of wheat which faces one of three futures the wheat can be placed in a sack and dumped in a stall until it was fed to swine or it could be ground to flour and made into bread or it can be placed in the earth and allowed to grow until it’s golden head divides and produces a thousand grains from the one I am liken to a grain of wheat with one difference the week cannot choose whether it be fed to swine ground for bread are planted to multiply I have a choice and I will not let my light be fed to swine now will I let it be ground under the rocks of failure and despair to be broken open and devoured by the will of others today I will multiply my value a hundredfold to grow and multiply it is necessary to plant the wheat grain in the darkness of the earth and my failures my despairs my ignorance and my end abilities are the darkness in which I have been planted in order to ripen now like the wheat grain which will sprout and blossom only if it is nurture with rain and Sun and warm winds I too must nurture my body and mind to fulfil my dreams but to grow to full stature the wheat must wait on the whims of nature I need not wait well I have the power to choose my own destiny today I will multiply my value a hundredfold and how will I accomplish this first I will set goals for the day the week the month the year and my life just as the rain must fall before the wheat will crack its shell and sprout so must I have objectives before my life will crystallize in setting my gold I will consider my best performance of the past and multiply it a hundredfold this will be the standard by which I will live in the future never will I be of concern that my goals are too high or is it not better to aim my spear at the moon and strike only an eagle and to aim my spear at the eagle and strike only a rock today I will multiply my value a hundredfold the height of my goals will not hold me in awe though I may stumble off and before they are reached if I stumble I will rise and my Falls will not concern me for all men must stumble off and to reach the heart only a worm is free from the worry of stumbling I am NOT a worm I am NOT an onion plant I am NOT a sheep I am a man that others build a cave with their clay I will build a castle with mine today I will multiply my value a hundredfold and just as the Sun must warm the earth to bring forth the seedling of wheat so too will the words on these Scrolls warm my light and turn my dreams into reality today I will surpass every action which I performed yesterday I will climb today’s mountain to be utmost of my ability yet tomorrow I will climb higher than today and the next will be higher than tomorrow to surpass the deeds of others is unimportant to surpass my own deeds is all today I will multiply my value a hundredfold and just as the warm wind guides the week to maturity the same winds will carry my voice to those who will listen and my words will announce my goals one spoken idea not recalled them lest I lose faith I will be as my own prophet and though all may laugh at my advances they will hear my plans they will know my dreams and thus there will be no escape for me until my words become accomplished deeds today I will multiply my value a hundredfold I will commit not the terrible crime of aiming too low I will do the work that a failure will not do I will always let my reach exceed my grasp I will never be content with my performance in the market I will always raise my goals as soon as they are attained I will always strive to make the next hour better than this one I will always announce my goals to the world yet never will I proclaim my accomplishments let the world instead approach me with praise and may I have the wisdom to receive it in humility today I will not apply my value a hundredfold one grain of wheat when multiplied a hundredfold will produce a hundred stocks multiplied these a hundredfold ten times and they will feed all the cities of the earth am I not more than a grain of wheat today I will multiply my value a hundredfold and when it is done I will do it again and again and there will be astonishment and wonder at my greatness as the words of these scrolls are fulfilled in me the scroll lacked nine my dreams are worthless my plans are dust my goals are impossible all are of no value unless they are followed by action I will act now never has there been a map however carefully executed to detail and scale which carried its owner over even one inch of ground never has there been a parchment of law however fair which prevented one crime never has there been a scroll even such as the one I hold which earned so much as a penny or produced a single word of acclamation action alone is the tinder which ignites the map the parchment this scroll my dreams my plans my goals into a living force action is the food and drink which will nourish my success I will act now my procrastination which has held me back was born of fear and now I recognise the secret mind from the depths of all courageous Heights now I know that to conquer fear I must always act without hesitation and the flood is in my heart will vanish now I know that action reduces the Lion of terror to an aunt of equanimity I will act now henceforth I will remember the lesson of the Firefly who gives off its light only when it is on the wing only when it is in action I will become a Firefly and even today my glow will be seen in spite of the Sun but others be as butterflies who preen their wings yet depend on the charity of a flower for life I will be as the Firefly and my light will brighten the world I will act now I will not avoid the tasks of today and charge them to tomorrow for I know that tomorrow never comes let me act now even though my actions may not bring happiness or success for it is better to act and fail then not to act and flounder happiness in truth may not be the fruit plucked by my action yet without action all fruit will die on the vine I will act now I will act now I will act now I will act now henceforth I will repeat these words again and again and again each hour each day every day until the words become as much a habit as my breathing and the actions which follow become as instinctive as the blinking of my eyelids with these words I can condition my mind to perform every act necessary for my success with these words I can condition my mind to meet every challenge which the failure avoids I will act now I will repeat these words again and again and again when I awake I will say them and leap from my cart while their failure sleeps yet another hour I will act now when I enter the marketplace I will say them and immediately confront my first prospect while the failure Ponder’s yet his possibility of rebuttal I will act now when I face a closed door I will say them and knock while the failure waits outside with fear and trepidation I will act now when I face temptation I will say them and immediately act to remove myself from evil I will act now when I am tempted to quit and begin again tomorrow I will say them and immediately act to consummate another sale I will act now only action determines my value in the marketplace and to multiply my value I will multiply my actions I will walk with the failure fears to walk and I will work when the failure seeks rest I will talk when the failure remains silent I will call on ten who can buy my goods while the failure makes grand plans to call on one I will say it is done before the failure says it is too late I will act now for now is all I have tomorrow is the day reserved for the labor of the lazy I am not lazy tomorrow is the day when the evil becomes good I am NOT evil tomorrow is the day when the weak become strong I am NOT weak tomorrow is the day when the failure will succeed I am NOT a failure I will act now when the lion is hungry he eats when the eagle has thirst he drinks lest they act both will perish i hunger for success I thirst for happiness and peace of mind lest I act I will perish in a life of failure misery and sleepless nights I will command and I will obey my known command I will act now success will not wait if i delay she will become betrothed to another and lost to me forever this is the time this is the place I am the man I will act now the scroll mock pen who is of so little fate that in a moment of great disaster a hot break has not called to his God who has not cried out when confronted with danger death or mystery beyond his normal experience or comprehension from where has this deep instinct come which escapes from the mouth of all living creatures in moments of peril moves your hand in haste before another’s eyes and his eyelids will blink caponata on his knee and his leg will jump confront another word doc Hara and his mouth will say my god from the same deep impulse my life need not be filled with religion in order for me to recognize this greatest mystery of nature all creatures that walk the earth including man possessed the instinct to cry for help why do we possess this instinct this gift are not our cries a form of prayer is it not incomprehensible in a world governed by nature’s laws to give a lamb or a mule or a bird or man the instinct to cry out for help lest some great mind has also provided that the cry should be heard by some superior power having the ability to hear and to answer our cry henceforth I will pray but my cries for help will only be cries for guidance never will I pray for the material things of the world I am NOT calling to a servant to bring me food I am NOT ordering an innkeeper to provide me with room never will I seek delivery of gold love good help petty victories fame success or happiness only for guidance will I pray that I may be shown the way to acquire these things and my prayer will always be answered the guidance I seek may come or the guidance I seek may not come but are not both of these an answer if a child seeks bread from his father and it is not forthcoming has not the father answered I will pray for guidance and I will pray as a salesman in this manner you and so it came to pass that high feed waited in his lowly palace for he who was to receive the Scrolls the old man with only his trusted bookkeeper companion watch the seasons come and go and infirmities of all age soon prevented him from doing little except sit quietly in his covered garden he waited he waited nearly three four years after the disposal of his worldly wealth and the disbanding of his trade empire and then from out of the desert to the east there appeared a slight limping figure of a stranger who entered Damascus and made straight way through the streets until he stood before the palace of high feed Erasmus usually a model of courtesy and propriety remained resolutely in the doorway as the caller repeated his request I would speak with de master the strangest appearance was not one to inspire confidence his sandals were ripped and mentor would rope his brown legs were cut and scratched and had sores in many places and above them hung a loose and tattered camels hair loincloth the man’s hair was snarled and long in his eyes red from the Sun seemed to burn from within Erasmus held tightly to the door-handle what is that the secret of my saya the stranger allowed his sack to fall from his shoulders in clenched both hands in prayer toward Erasmus please kind man grant me an audience with thy master I mean him no harm now seek I arms let him hear my words and then I will go in haste if I offend him Erasmus still unsure slowly opened the door and nodded toward the interior then he turned without looking back and walked swiftly toward the garden with his visitor limping behind in the garden – an Erasmus hesitated before his master he coughed and half feet stood he caught again and the old man opened his eyes forgive this disturbance master but there is a collar I feed now awake sat up and shifted his gaze to the stranger who bowed and spoke I thought he who has been called the greatest salesman in the world I feed frowned but nodded I have been called that and years now gone no longer is that crown on my old head what secret be of me the small visitor stood self-consciously before high feed and rubbed his hands over his matted chest he blinked his eyes in the soft light and replied I am called Saul and I returned now from Jerusalem to my birthplace in Tarsus however I beg you let not my appearance deceive you I am NOT a bandit from the wilderness nor am i a beggar of the streets I am a citizen of Tarsus and also a citizen of Rome my people are Pharisees of the Jewish tribe of Benjamin and although I am a tent maker by trade I have studied under the great gamma Leal some call me Paul he swayed as he spoke and I feed not fully awake until this moment apologetically motioned for his visitor to sit Paul nodded but remain standing I come to thee for guidance and help which only you can give will you permit Messiah to tell my story Erasmus standing behind the stranger shook his head violently but happied pretended not to notice he studied the intruder of his sleep carefully and then nodded I am too old to continue to look up at thee sit at my feet and I will hear you through Paul pushed his sack aside and knelt near the old man who waited in silence four years ago because the accumulated knowledge of too many years of study had blinded my heart to truth I was the official witness to the stoning in Jerusalem of a holy man called Stephen he had been condemned to death by the Jewish Sanhedrin for blasphemy against our God I feed interrupted with puzzlement in his voice I do not understand how I am connected with this activity Paul raised his hand as if to calm the oh man I will explain quickly Steven was a follower of a man called Jesus who less than a year before the stoning of Stephen was crucified by the Romans for sedition against the state Stevens guilt was his insistence that Jesus was the Messiah who’s coming had been foretold by the Jewish prophets and that the temple had conspired with Rome to murder this son of God this rebuke to those in authority could only be punishable with death and as I have already told thee I participate furthermore but my fanaticism and youthful zeal I was supplied with letters from the high priests of the temple and entrusted with the mission of journeying here to Damascus to search out every follower of Jesus and return them and change to Jerusalem for punishment this was as I have said for years ago Erasmus glanced at her feet and was startled for there was a look in the old man’s eyes which had not been seen by the faithful bookkeeper in many years only the splash of fountain water could be heard in the garden until Paul spoke once more now as I approached Damascus would murder in my heart there was a sudden flash of light from the heavens I remember not having been struck while I found myself on the ground and although I could not see I could hear and I heard a voice in my ear say Saul Saul why do you persecute me I answered who I you and the voice replied I am Jesus whom you are persecuting but rise and into the city and you will be told what to do I arose and was led by the hands of my companions into Damascus and there I was not able to eat or drink for three days while I remained in the house of a follower of the crucified one then I was visited by another called Ananias who said he had been visited in a vision and told to come to me then he laid his hands upon my eyes and I could see again then I ate and I drank and my strength returned I feed now leaned forward from his benjin inquired what then took place I was brought to the synagogue and my presence as a persecutor of the followers of Jesus struck fear into the hearts of all his followers but I preached nevertheless and my words confounded them for now I spoke did he who had been crucified was indeed the son of God and all who listened suspected a trick of deceit on my part for had I not cause havoc in Jerusalem I could not convince them of my change of heart and many plotted my debt so I escaped over the walls and returned to Jerusalem in Jerusalem the happenings of Damascus repeated themselves none of the followers of Jesus would come near me although word had been received in my preaching in Damascus nevertheless I continued to preach in the name of Jesus but it was of no avail everywhere i spoke i an’t agonized those who listened until one day i went to the temple and in the courtyard as I watched the sale of doves and lambs for sacrifice the voice came to me again this time what did it say Erasmus spoke before he could stop himself i feet smiled at his old friend and nodded for paul to continue the voice said thou hast had the word for nearly four years but thou has shown few the light even the word of God must be sold to the people all they will hear it not did not I speak in parables so that all might understand that will catch few flies with vinegar return to Damascus and seek out he who was acclaimed as the greatest salesman in the world if thou would spread my word to the world let him show you the way – glanced quickly at her Asmus and the old bookkeeper sense the unspoken question was this the one for whom he had waited so long the great salesman leaned forward and placed his hand on Paul’s shoulder tell me about this Jesus Paul his voice now alive with new strength and volume told her Jesus and his life while the two listen he spoke with a long Jewish wait for Messiah who would come and unite them with new and independent kingdom of happiness and peace he told of John the Baptist and the arrival on the stage of history of one called Jesus he told him the miracles performed by this man his lectures to the crowds his raising of the Dead his treatment of the money changes and he told him the crucifixion burial and resurrection finally is it to give further impact on his story Paul reached into the sack at his side and removed a red garment which he placed in the lap of happy seiyya you hold in your arms all the world League was left behind by this Jesus all that he possessed he shared with the world even unto his life and at the foot of his cross Roman soldiers cast lots for this robe it has come into my possession through much diligence and searching when I was last in Jerusalem I feeds face paled and his hand shook as he turned the robe stained with blood Erasmus Alam did his master’s appearance moved closer to the old man – continued to turn the garment until he found a small star sewn into the clock the mark of Torah who’s killed made the robe sold by Pat Rose next to the star was a circle sewn within a square the mark of Petra as Paul Dan Erasmus watched the old man raised the robe and rubbed it gently against his cheek javi took his head impossible thousands of other rogues were made by tolerance all by pat throats in the years of his great trade route still clutching the robe and speaking in a hoarse whisper high feet said tell me what is known of the birth of this Jesus Paul said he left our world with little he had entered it with less he was born in a cave in Bethlehem during the time of the census of Tiberius high feat smile seemed almost childish to the two men and they looked on with puzzlement but tears also flowed down his wrinkled cheeks he brushed him away with his hand and asked and was there not the brightest star that man has ever seen which shone above the birthplace of this baby Paul’s not open yet he could not speak no was it necessary ha feed raised his arms and embrace Paul and this time the kids are both will mingle finally the old man arose and beckoned toward Erasmus faithful friend go to the town and return with the chest we have found our salesmen at last can sit in the shot here you

As found on Youtube