The Greatest Salesman in the World
My story
All of us are selling something at all times in our lives.
As monks, we are selling our belief in god.
As educators,
we are selling our knowledge of science.
As politicians,
we are selling our opinions about a society.
And as human beings we are selling our love to everyone around us.
A thought that seems too pragmatic
but is a fact that we often avoid,
unconsciously,
not wanting to acknowledge.
If we accept selling as an act of service,
we will realize the truly noble
and honorable connotations of these two words.
If we sincerely understand
and respect these two words,
any of them can become the greatest salesman in the world.
“The Greatest Salesman in the World” is a great book ever written by man.
This “World’s Greatest Salesman”
is a book whose cherished hidden messages are often overlooked by the title itself.
We need to understand the two words sales are said here
to have a much broader meaning
than just the normal sales job
as people implicitly understand.
Og Mandino is a well known ‘self help’ author,
not a marketing author.
It is for this reason that we need to understand
that this cannot be a book about a mere consciousness
or methods of selling.
In the opinion of author Og Mandino,
this is a book that borrows
from sales to talk about a service lifestyle
that will lead us to great success in life and,
if so, more importantly.
–feel the happiness of “living” independently
and freely within the limits of LOVE.
People need to wake up
and realize that life doesn’t wait for you.
If you want something,
get up and go after it. — Robert Kiyosaki
*************************
Chapter I
Hafid leaned in front of the shiny bronze mirror,
intently observing his own face reflected in it.
“Only the eyes reflect youth,”
he said to himself
and then turned
and walked slowly down the long corridor of blue marble.
Hafid walked between rows of glossy black stone columns
that rose to support the vaulted roof,
ornately decorated with silver and gold patterns,
his age-heavy legs carrying him past cypress wood tables inlaid with ivory.
Everywhere,
on the walls,
on the benches,
the wooden counters are inlaid with rare shells dotted
with precious stones to form beautiful patterns.
Large palm trees rose from a copper-bottomed lake with fountains
in the shape of wild gods also studded with precious stones.
No one who comes to Hafid’s castle can doubt his immense wealth.
The old man walked through the indoor garden
and into the large barn.
Erasmus, the manager was already waiting at the entrance.
“Welcome, boss.”
Hafid nodded, still walking.
Erasmus followed,
his face devoid of any emotion
or question about meeting his master in this place,
at this moment.
Hafid paused to look at the rows of goods lined up in rows.
These are wool,
silk,
honey,
leather,
carpets and perfumes from the Middle East;
glass, dates, oil palm,
chestnut from Damascus
– his hometown;
fabrics,
medicine from Palmyra ;
ginger,
cinnamon,
gems from Arabia ;
corn, paper,
granite,
white stone,
blue stone,
red stone from Egypt ;
sheets from Babylon ;
paintings from Rome and statues from Greece.
The smell of chestnuts filled the air
and Hafid’s old but sensitive nose could distinguish the presence of apple,
butter and ginger.
Finally he turned back to Erasmus.
“Old man, how much gold do I have?”
Erasmus said, slightly pale:
“All of them, sir.”
“All”
“I haven’t checked the recent figures
but I know there are more than 7 million gold coins, sir.”
“In addition to all the goods in the stores
and warehouses everywhere,
how much will it be?”
“This year’s sales season isn’t over yet,
but I’m counting on at least another 3 million.”
Hafid nodded,
“No more purchases.
Make a plan to sell everything that is left
and turn it all into gold.”
The manager gasped, unable to speak.
He backed away slightly in shock
and when he finally opened his mouth,
he spoke forcefully.
“I don’t understand, sir.
This year is our best profit year.
The selling power of all stores is better than last year.
Even the inhabitants of the Roman domains have become our customers.
Forgive me for my delay,
but I cannot understand the reason for this order.”
Hafid laughed, taking Erasmus’s hand affectionately.
“My trusted friend!
Do you remember the first order
I gave you when you first joined me many years ago?”
Erasmus frowned slightly
and then came to his senses.
“I have been ordered by you to deduct half of the profits every year
and distribute them to the poor.”
“Didn’t you consider me a business lunatic at the time?”
“I was deeply troubled then, sir.”
Hafid nodded,
“And you realize that your concerns are unfounded?”
“Yes sir.”
“Trust me old man,
carry on with my decisions
until I make it clear to you.
I am just an old man now and my needs are simple.
Since the day my beloved Lisha passed away after many happy years,
I only wish to distribute all my possessions to the needy in this world.
I kept just enough for myself
to be able to live in peace for the rest of my life.
Erasmus, in addition to converting into gold the rest of my goods,
please prepare the paperwork to transfer the shops
to those who are in charge of them.
I also want you to give these managers five thousand gold coins each
as a reward for their years of service to me and also
so that they can continue the business as they please.”
Erasmus was about to speak,
but Hafid raised his hand to stop him.
“Do these orders bother you?”
The old manager shook his head, trying to smile.
“No, sir, I just can’t understand your reasoning.
He spoke as if the rest of his days could be counted.”
“It is your character,
old friend.
His concern was for me,
not for himself.
Don’t you think at all for yourself,
if our beloved country is no more?”
“You have considered me as a friend for so many years,
how can I only think of you, sir?”
Hafid hugged his old friend, saying:
“It doesn’t have to be.
I ask that you immediately transfer the 50,000 gold coins to yourself
and stay with me until the promise
I made to myself long ago is fulfilled.
When this promise is fulfilled,
I will turn over this castle
and warehouse to you so that I can have it
ready to see my dear Lisha again.”
Erasmus stared at his master,
unable to fully comprehend what he had just heard.
“50,000 gold coins,
castle and warehouse…
I can’t have enough…”
Hafid nodded:
“I always appreciate the friendship you have for me
and consider it the most precious.
What I gave him was but a very small part
of his steadfast loyalty to me.
He perfected the arts of living not only for himself,
but for others as well,
this point of interest being appreciated above all.
Now I ask you to be devoted to my orders.
Time is the only precious thing I have left,
and they are few.”
Erasmus turned his face away
to hide the tears welling up in his eyes.
He said, his voice cracking:
“So what promise is that promise you make?
Even though we lived as brothers,
I never heard him speak of it.”
Hafid crossed his arms and smiled, saying, ”
I’ll see you again when this last mission of yours is done.
And I will tell you that secret,
which I have not shared with anyone
but my beloved wife,
for more than 30 years.”
The most successful people in life are the ones who ask questions.
They’re always learning.
They’re always growing.
They’re always pushing. — Robert Kiyosaki
****************************
Chapter 2
And then quickly,
a heavily guarded convoy left Damascus carrying certificates of sovereignty
and gold to those who ran the shops
of the Hafid merchant nation.
From Obed in Joppa to Reuel in Petra,
each manager received Hafid’s farewells and gifts in stunned silence.
Finally, upon reaching the shop in Autipatris,
Eramus’s assigned task was completed.
The once largest and most powerful merchant kingdom
no longer exists.
With a heavy heart,
Eramus informed his boss that the warehouses were now completely empty
and that the shops
that had once been Hafid’s pride were gone.
The messenger returns with Hafid’s request.
Eramus quickly returned and met his master
by the lake in the castle.
When they met again,
Hafid observed the old manager’s face:
“Is everything done?”
“Yes sir, done.”
“Don’t suffer, mate. Follow me.”
Only the sound of their footsteps echoed
through the large,
empty room
as Hafid led Eramus along the green marble walkway that led to the back.
Sometimes Hafid’s footsteps slowed
as he passed lonely,
empty vases on tall orange wooden stands
and he smiled as he saw the rays of sunlight turning the color
of the glass from white to blue purple.
Then the two old friends began to climb the stairs leading
to a room directly below the dome of the castle.
Erasmus noticed that the watchmen that had been present here
for so many years were no longer there.
The two reached the middle floor,
they paused to regain their breath
because the stairs were too long,
and then continued to climb to the second floor in silence.
Arriving in front of a doorframe,
Hafid pulled out a small key still strapped to the waistband of his trousers
and opened the heavy oak door.
He leaned over and pushed the door open with difficulty and entered.
Erasmus hesitated until his master asked him to enter.
Erasmus cautiously entered a room that had not been allowed
in for more than 30 years.
Faint light seeped in from the openings around the dome above,
Erasmus clutched his master’s hand
until his eyes slowly adjusted to the dim light in that secret room.
With a vague smile,
Hafid looked at his loyal friend
who was slowly looking around the empty room.
There was only a small,
light-reflecting chest in one corner of the room.
“Are you feeling down, Erasmus?”
“I don’t know what to say, sir.”
“Aren’t you disappointed by everything here, old man.
Certainly what is contained in this room is one of the secrets
to everyone who has worked with me
. Don’t you wonder
or care what’s been hidden here under guard for so long?”
Erasmus nodded:
“Actually yes.
There have been many rumors over the years
about the secrets kept here, sir.”
“That’s right, buddy.
And I’ve heard most of those rumors.
There are boxes of diamonds hidden here,
gold bars
or even wild animals
or precious birds stored in this place.
Once a merchant in Persik Bay even suggested
that I might be hiding a beautiful young maid here.
Lisha laughed at the thought
that I could collect beautiful young mistresses.
But my friend, you see,
there’s nothing here but that little chest.
Now come here.”
The two men crouched over the small chest
and Hafid slowly untied the leather straps around the secret chest.
He took a deep breath in the damp old wood smell of the chest,
and at last he opened the lid.
Erasmus leaned over Hafid’s shoulder to see what was in the small chest.
Inside the chest were only curls… old leather ones.
Hafid took out a scroll of leather.
He closed his eyes and held the roll of skin to his chest for a moment.
A quiet peace shone on his face
as if the wrinkles of his age had disappeared.
Then Hafid straightened up
with the roll of skin across his chest.
“Does this room reflect the aura of precious stones?
Nothing, its value is right
in front of your eyes in this simple wooden chest.
All the success, happiness,
love,
freedom of thought and wealth
that I have enjoyed comes directly
from what is contained here in these scrolls.
And I owe them as well as the wise man who trusted
and entrusted them to my care,
a debt that I have not yet been able to pay.”
Shaken by Hafid’s tone,
Erasmus drew back slightly:
“Is this the secret you mentioned?
Is the chest related to the oath you made?”
“The answer is ‘yes’, to both of your questions.”
Erasmus wiped his sweaty forehead,
looked at Hafid suspiciously:
“What is hidden in those scrolls that are worth more than diamonds,
gold and silver?”
“With the exception of one scroll,
the rest all contain basic principles,
laws or truths written in such a way
as to help the reader better understand
what’s hidden between their two lines.
To become a master in the art of selling,
a man must learn and practice the principles set forth herein
and he will gain the ability
to amass every fortune in the world that he desires would like.”
Erasmus looked at the scrolls,
disbelieving:
“Even as rich as you, sir.”
“More than rich,
if he wants to.”
“You said, all these scrolls have the rules of the sale,
except for one.
So what’s in that scroll, sir?”
“That last scroll,
you may call it,
is the very first scroll to be read.
The rest of the reels are numbered sequentially.
This first scroll contains a secret that only those
who are truly wise and chosen.
This scroll really teaches people the most effective way to learn
and understand more deeply what is written in the remaining scrolls.”
“It seems like a quest that anyone can complete.”
“Indeed, a simple task for those
who truly desire perfection.
Those who really put in the effort only need to pay the price with time
and intense concentration
until one by one principle becomes his personality,
until one by one it becomes a habit in his life that person.”
Erasmus went over to the chest and pulled out a scroll.
He held it carefully in his hand:
“Forgive me, sir,
but why don’t you share these principles with others,
with those who have worked in your country for a long time?
He’s always been generous in everything,
so why didn’t the people who sold to him get the chance
to learn these principles and get rich too?
And moreover,
wouldn’t it be better
if everyone could become a better salesperson
with these valuable insights?
Why have you kept these principles to yourself all these years?”
“I am not allowed to choose.
Years ago when I was entrusted with these scrolls,
I made an oath to share them with only one person.
To this day I still don’t understand why this is required.
Anyway, I was asked to apply these principles to myself.
Until one day,
someone will need more help than
I ever needed in the past,
someone who has never known the existence of these scrolls in the world.
I will be guided through some sign to recognize this person,
and I will give these scrolls back to that person.
“I have waited patiently,
and in the meantime,
I apply and practice these principles as permitted.
And with the insights from these scrolls I became a salesman
that many call “The Greatest Salesman in the World,”
as well as the one who gave me these scrolls once again honored.
By now, old friend,
you may understand why some of the decisions
I’ve made over the years
that have seemed foolish
and futile have proven successful.
My actions and decisions have always been guided
by the principles enshrined in these scrolls.
So it’s not my wisdom that brings all this wealth,
I’m just a tool to accomplish something like everyone else.
“Erasmus, do you still believe
that someone will appear to claim these scrolls after all these years?…”
“Yes, sir, I believe”
Hafid slowly folded the scrolls
and closed the lid of the chest.
He whispered while still kneeling before the chest:
“Will you remain with me until that day,
old friend Erasmus?”
Erasmus quietly reached for his master’s hand
and squeezed it lightly, nodding.
He left the room in silence
with Hafid’s request not to tell anyone.
The world’s greatest salesman of a time tied the leather straps
around the chest and got up
and walked towards a small dome.
He passed there,
out onto the porch that surrounded the dome.
A gentle easterly breeze blew back,
slapping Hafid in the face,
bringing with it the taste of salt lakes
and burning deserts beyond.
He smiled, stood on the highest dome of Damascus
and his mind returned to many years ago…
If you want to be financially-free,
you need to become a different person than you are today
and let go of whatever has held you back in the past. — Robert Kiyosaki
********************
Chapter 3
It was winter now and the cold seemed to grow colder on the hilltops
of the olive trees.
From Jerusalem,
through the narrow gorge of the Kidron valley,
the smell of smoke,
incense,
and even burnt flesh came from a temple somewhere nearby.
On a hillside a little lower than the village of Bethpage,
the caravan of Pathros of Palmyra was stopping there.
It was late and even the camels had stopped chewing the pistachio branches
and lay down to rest beside the soft laurel bushes.
Next to the quiet row of tents,
the hemp bushes surrounded four ancient olive trees forming a fence
around the camels crammed together for warmth.
Except for the two watchmen
who were walking along the rows of carts,
only the shadow of a tall man remained in motion,
imprinted on the goatskin canvas of Master Pathros’s great tent.
Inside, Mr. Pathros was pacing furiously,
pausing occasionally
to frown and shake his head
at the young man kneeling at the entrance of the tent.
Finally he sat down and waved the boy closer.
“Hafid, I’ve always been nice to you.
I was completely surprised
and couldn’t believe your strange request.
Are you not satisfied with your work?”
The boy just looked down at the ground,
not daring to raise his head:
“No, sir.”
Mr. Pathros looked at the young man intently.
“Not so, sir.”
“Then clearly state your request again,
including the reasons for that unusual request.”
“It was just my desire to be your salesman
instead of just a camel keeper.
I aspire to be a salesman like Hadad, Simon,
Caled and others,
leaving with a cart laden with goods
and returning with gold coins for you
and for them as well.
I want to improve my position in life.
Being a camel herder will be nothing,
but being a salesman for your grandfather you can achieve much more.
You will be able to be rich and achieve success.”
“How do you know that?”
“I have often heard you say that there is no profession or business
that offers more opportunities for a person
to go from poverty to wealth than being a salesman.”
Mr. Pathros began to nod,
but he thought it better to continue questioning the young man:
“Do you believe you are qualified to work like Hadad or the others?”
Hafid looked up at his boss and said,
“Many times I’ve heard Caled complain to him about his bad luck
with not selling, and how many times have
I heard him remind Caled
that anyone could also sell everything in his inventory
within a period of time
if the principles and rules of selling were strictly followed.
If you can believe that Caled,
who everyone considers a fool,
can learn those principles,
why can’t I learn them?”
“If you believe you can assimilate those principles,
what is your purpose in life…?”
Mr. Pathros began to change his tone.
Hafid hesitated for a moment, then said:
“The fact that you are the greatest salesman in the world
It has been proclaimed throughout the land.
There has never been a trading kingdom as vast
as the one that he built after years
of trading in the whole world.
My aspiration is to become even greater than you,
the richest man,
and the greatest salesman in the whole world.”
Mr. Pathros leaned back to study the boy’s youthful face.
The smell of camels still lingered on his clothes
but there was only a hint of shyness lurking in his demeanor.
“Then what are you going to do with all that
and with the fearsome power that inevitably accompanies that richness?”
“I will do as you did.
My family will be provided with the best supplies and the rest
I will share with those in need.”
Mr. Pathros lightly shook his head:
“Wealth, my son, should never be a man’s goal in life.
You speak very fluently but they are just words.
True wealth is in your heart, not in your pocket.”
Hafid protested: “Aren’t you rich, sir?”
The man laughed at the boy’s stubbornness:
“Hafid! There’s more to it than just material wealth,
there’s only one difference between me in Herod’s castle
and a beggar loitering on the street.
The beggar thinks only of the next meal,
and I think only of the last.
No, my son, don’t aspire just for wealth
and work hard to get rich.
Instead, make an effort for happiness,
to love people and to be loved.
The most important thing is
to attain peace of mind
and stillness of thought.”
Hafid went on to react:
“But these cannot be achieved without gold.
Who can live in peace of mind when poor? How
Can a person be happy on an empty stomach?
How can I show my love to my family
when I can’t take care of my wife and children?
He once said,
wealth is good when it brings joy to others.
So why is my desire to be rich not good?
Poverty can be a witness or a way of life only
for a monk in the desert,
for he has only one of his Lords to serve.
But I, I think poverty is a sign of weakness
of ability as well as aspiration.
I am not someone who lacks those qualities.”
Mr. Pathros frowned:
“What caused you to have these sudden desires?
You talk about raising a family,
but you don’t have a family yet?
You haven’t had a family of your own since the plague
that year took your parents,
and I’ve adopted you ever since.”
Hafid’s tanned skin also couldn’t hide the pink blush on his cheeks:
“When we set up camp in Hebron before leaving,
I was… met Calneh’s daughter there… she was. …Teacher…”
“Ah… ah… that’s the truth.”
Mr. Pathros interrupted. “Love,
not ideals of riches,
has transformed my camel keeper into a warrior ready to face the world.
Calneh was indeed a rich man.
His daughter with a camel herder?…
Never!
But his daughter with a young, handsome,
rich merchant was a different matter altogether.
All right, my young warrior.
I will help you start your career as a salesman.”
The young man fell at Mr. Pathros’s feet,
grasping the hem of his shirt:
“Oh, sir. I don’t know how to thank you anymore.”
Mr. Pathros removed the young man’s hand and stepped back:
“Keep those thanks, son.
What I will give you are only grains of sand compared to the mountains
you will have to claim for yourself.”
Hafid’s joy was stopped, he hesitated:
“Then won’t you teach me the principles
and rules that will make me a great salesman?”
“No. It won’t be more than what
I did to make your youth peaceful with sweet words.
I was once criticized for letting my adopted son be a camel herder
but I thought that
if the right fire was ignited in you
it would drown out all those objections…
And once it really flared up… fire,
you will be a man who has grown from hard years.
Tonight, your request made me feel happy
because the fire of desire flickered in your eyes
and your face was radiant with desire.
This is good and my decision has also been proven but you,
you still need to prove,
there is more behind your words than just the air.”
Hafid fell silent and the old man continued:
“First, you must prove to me,
and more importantly to yourself,
that you must experience the life of a salesman
and not just as easy as it is.
I have chosen to be.
In fact, many times you have heard me
say that the reward is great for one successful person
but the reward is great for only a few successful people.
So many people get frustrated and lose themselves
without knowing
that they always have the tools they need to reap the riches.
So many people have faced obstacles
and viewed them as enemies,
when in fact the obstacles were friends and helpers.
Obstacles are necessary for success
because in sales,
as in all important careers,
glory comes only after countless efforts.
Yes, each attempt,
each attempt will refine your ingenuity and strength,
your courage and your experience,
your abilities and your beliefs
and so every obstacle is a person
is close friends push you to become better… or you will give up
because you see those obstacles as hostile.
Every rejection is an opportunity to move on;
Turn your back on them,
reject them and you will throw away your future.”
The young man nodded and opened his mouth to speak,
but the old man raised his hand to stop him:
“And besides,
I have chosen the loneliest profession in the world.
Even the tax collectors returned home
when the sun went down
and the Roman Empire had barriers
to force people to return home at night.
But you,
as a salesman,
will have to witness countless sunsets
and sunrises far,
far away from your closest friends and loved ones.
Nothing can make a man miserable
and lonely than walking alone
through a strange house in the dark
and witnessing the family gathering to eat
and drink in the light and happiness.
“You will have to deal with lonely times like that.”
Mr. Pathros continued:
“You will have to deal with many such disturbances,
which will greatly affect your profession.
When you’re on the road with only your camels
it’s a scary and alien feeling.
Often times our vision and dignity forgotten
and we will behave like children,
wanting only our own safety and love.
How many people have had to quit halfway,
including thousands of people who are considered
to have great potential in the profession.
And what’s more,
no one will make you laugh or comfort you
when you don’t sell a single item.
No one except those who are trying to take my goods.”
“I will be careful and keep these warnings in mind.”
“Now let’s continue.
At this time,
you will not receive any further instructions.
You are standing before me like a green date.
A date that is not really ripe,
is still not called a date and neither are you,
when you have not really experienced and understood,
you are not called a salesman.”
“How shall I begin?”
“Tomorrow morning, meet Silvio at the carts.
He will give you an ao dai,
the best,
without wrinkles.
They are woven from goat hair
and can withstand the heaviest rains,
dyed with red mam tree roots so they don’t fade.
On the inside of the collar,
you will see a small star sewn into it.
It’s the brand of Tola,
the best ao dai maker.
Next to that star is my mark,
a circle within a square.
Both of these brands are recognized
and respected all over the land and we’ve sold countless,
uncountable numbers of these shirts.
I have been with the Jews long enough to know
that they call this garment abeyah.
“Take the coat and a donkey
and depart early in the morning for Bethlehem,
the village we passed before we arrived here.
None of my salesmen have ever visited this place.
They told me that going there is just a waste of time,
the people there are too poor.
I sold hundreds of similar shirts there many years ago.
Stay in Bethlehem until you sell that tunic.”
Hafid nodded, trying to hide the excitement in his voice:
“How much will I sell it for, sir?”
“I will put your name in the book for 1 silver denarius.
When you return you will give me
that one coin and keep the words from it
for you,
so you have to determine the price for the dress yourself.
You can stop by the market place at the south gate
of town or go from house to house as you like.
I’m sure there are thousands of families there.
Sure it’s possible to sell a shirt there,
don’t you agree?”
Hafid nodded, his mind ready for tomorrow.
Mr. Pathros put his hand on the young man’s shoulder:
“Until you return,
I will not appoint anyone to take your place now.
If your child realizes that he is not suitable
for the profession,
do not be discouraged.
Never be ashamed of failure
because those who never fail are the ones who never try.
When you return I will ask you many questions about
what you have been through.
And then you will decide what to do to make your dreams come true.”
Hafid bowed and turned to walk away,
but the old man stopped him.
“Son, there is one thing about manners
that you must keep in mind as you begin your new life.
Always keep it in your heart
and you will overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles,
obstacles that you will inevitably face
as a person with aspirations in your heart.”
“Yes sir”
“Failure cannot defeat you
if your desire for success is strong enough.”
Mr. Pathros stepped closer to the young man:
“Do you fully understand the meaning of my words?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Then repeat what I said.”
“Failure cannot defeat a person whose desire
to succeed is strong enough.”
When you are forced to think,
you expand your mental capacity.
When you expand your mental capacity,
your wealth increases. — Robert Kiyosaki
***********************
Chapter 4
Hafid put aside his half-eaten bread and pondered his unfortunate fate.
Tomorrow was his fourth day in Bethlehem
and the only scarlet robe he had brought with him
when he left the caravan was still there,
in his bag on the back of a donkey that was probably grazing
in the cave behind. inn.
Listening to the loud laughter of people around during dinner time,
Hafid looked annoyed at his unfinished meal.
The doubts that had haunted every salesman
from time immemorial plagued his mind.
“Why don’t people want to hear my story?
Why is no one paying attention?
Why do they slam the door
when I can’t even say a single sentence?
Why don’t they care about their work and leave in a hurry?
Is everyone in this town poor?
What do we say
when they like the shirt but can’t afford it?
Why do so many people tell me to come back another day?
Why can other people sell but I can’t?
What is the fear that grips me
when approaching a closed door and how to overcome it?
Is my price too high?…”
The young man shook his head dejectedly at his failure.
Maybe this isn’t the life for you.
Maybe he should continue working
as a camel herder to get some zinc after a day of hard work.
As a salesman he must be lucky and return to the corps even
with a little profit in hand.
What did Master Pathros call you?
Young warrior?
He briefly thought about returning to the camels.
And then his thoughts returned to Lisha
and her cranky old father Calneh,
doubt quickly leaving his mind.
Hafid decided
that he would spend the night on the hill to save his little money
and in the morning he would sell the ao dai.
And more than that,
Hafid will speak well and fluently to sell the Ao Dai at a very high price.
I’ll start very early tomorrow, at dawn,
I’ll reach the town’s well.
He will invite all those who pass
by and will soon return to the hill of olive trees
with silver coins in his pocket.
Hafid reached for his remaining bread,
thinking again of his master.
Mr. Pathros will be proud of you,
you will not return defeated and discouraged.
Actually, four days is too long to sell just one shirt
but once he can get this done in four days,
he knows he will be able to learn from Mr. Pathros
how to be able to sell in just three days. ,
then two days.
With time he will become more
and more skilled and will be able to sell many similar Ao Dai every hour.
And then you will actually become a proud salesman.
He left the noisy inn and headed towards the cave.
The cold air covered the grass at Hafid’s feet
with a thin layer of ice,
which seemed to groan and crack under Hafid’s footsteps.
He decided not to go to the hills to sleep tonight,
he would sleep in the cave with his donkey.
He knew and believed
that tomorrow would be a better day
and he understood
why all the other vendors had abandoned this poor village.
They had assumed no business could be done here
and Hafid still remembered this every time someone refused his red ao dai.
He believed that Mr. Pathros had sold here hundreds of similar shirts,
many years ago.
But maybe times have changed,
and moreover Mr. Pathros is the greatest salesman.
The flicker of light from the cattle den made Hafid walk,
thinking there might be a thief in there.
He rushed in with the thought
that he would catch the thief and what he beat.
But instead, the tension in him evaporated
when he saw what was unfolding before his eyes.
In the glimmering light,
faintly appeared a bearded man
and a young woman in stylish clothes hugging each other to keep warm.
At their feet, in the manger,
a baby slept peacefully.
From the baby’s still red skin,
Hafid couldn’t tell but knew
that the baby had just been born.
The baby is swaddled to stay warm
with his parents’ two coats.
The man jerked his head towards Hafid gesturing to his wife,
who inched closer to the child.
They silently looked at each other.
The woman was shivering from the cold,
she was wearing only a flimsy ao dai
– too flimsy to protect her from the freezing cold in this damp rock cave.
Hafid looked at the child.
He was moved to see its small mouth open
and close as if to smile,
a strange feeling that made him shiver.
For some reason Hafid was thinking of Lisha.
The woman trembled again,
and Hafid roused himself from the thoughts of his beloved Lisha.
After a moment of unintentional surprise,
the person who would become a salesman walked over to his donkey.
He carefully unfastened the straps that bound his bag, opened it,
and took out his crimson robe. Hafid opened his tunic,
his hands stroking the soft woven goatskin fabric.
Red as hell
It was bright by candlelight
and Hafid could see Tola and Pathros’s branding on the inside of his collar.
Circle in square and little star.
How many times have you worn this ao dai on tired hands in the past 3 days?
It seemed that he had memorized every fiber of it,
its sewing thread. This is a really good quality shirt.
With care, it can be good for a lifetime.
Hafid closed his eyes,
sighed,
and walked slowly toward the small family in front of him.
He knelt beside the child,
slowly removing the father’s overcoat and then the mother’s.
Hafid handed two old robes back to the child’s parents.
Both were surprised at Hafid’s actions,
they stood still without reacting.
And then Hafid opened up his red tunic
and wrapped the sleeping baby tightly inside.
The young mother’s wet kiss was still felt on Hafid’s cheek
as he led his donkey out of the cave.
Above Hafid’s head, in the night sky,
was a bright star that Hafid had never seen in his entire life.
He gazed at the star until his face was wet with tears,
and then Hafid and his donkey set off on the road toward Jerusalem
where the caravan stopped on the hill of olive trees.
The secret to success is to develop yourself
so that you can stand above any problem. – T. Harv Eker
*****************************
Chapter 5
Hafid rode slowly on his donkey,
head bowed so that he did not notice the strangely bright star
still illuminating the road before him.
Why did he act so foolishly?
He did not know the people he had met in that cave.
Why not try to sell them that red ao dai?
What are you going to tell Mr. Pathros?
And there are others,
who will laugh to the ground
when they know that he gave the shirt
without getting anything in return.
But for a strange baby born poor in a cave.
He thought about how he could fool Mr. Pathros.
Could it be that he lost it on his donkey at lunch?
Can Mr. Pathros believe such stories?
After all, there are many thieves all over this strip.
Could Mr. Pathros believe
and then not blame himself for not being careful?
And very soon,
Hafid arrived on the road
through the Garden of Gethsemanie.
He got off the donkey
and wearily led it up the hill to the caravan.
The light from the star made the space seem like day
and anxiety soon filled Hafid
when he saw Mr. Pathros standing in front of the tent,
looking up at the night sky.
Hafid paused,
barely moving,
but Mr. Pathros recognized him at once.
There was a hint of surprise in his voice
as Mr. Pathros approached him
and asked,
“Did you come straight back from Bethlehem?”
“Yes, boss.”
“Didn’t you feel anything when you saw that star follow you?”
“No sir, I don’t know.”
“Didn’t you notice?
I couldn’t take my eyes off that star
as it rose from Bethlehem two hours ago.
I have never seen such a bright star.
And then we realized it was right here,
right above our heads.
Then you appeared, my God!…
and the star stopped too…”
Mr. Pathros approached Hafid, looked at him closely,
and asked,
“Are you involved in some strange event in Bethlehem?”
“No, sir.”
The man frowned in thought,
“I’ve never had a night of strange events like this one.”
Hafid burst out,
“I’ll never forget this night either, sir.”
“Ah, well, something happened tonight.
Why did you return at such a late hour?”
Hafid was silent while the old man looked
through his luggage on the donkey.
“Not anymore,
I finally succeeded.
Come in and tell me about your experience.
I can’t understand why a star would follow a camel boy like you.”
Mr. Pathros lay back and listened attentively
to the young man’s long story of the relentless rejection
and even humiliation he had received in Bethlehem.
He nodded his head
as he heard Hafid talk about the aggressive merchant
who nearly threw the boy out of his shop and smiled
when he heard the part
where two soldiers threw the shirt in Hafid’s face
when he refused to give up. price.
Finally Hafid’s voice was almost hoarse
and barely audible
as he recounted all the hesitations
and doubts that had roiled his mind in the pub that evening.
Mr. Pathros interrupted the young man:
“Hafid, remember clearly the doubts you were thinking
while sitting alone sad.”
When Hafid clearly recounted his thoughts while having dinner in the pub,
the old man continued to ask:
“Now tell me, what caused you to drop all doubts and bring to the world.
did you have the courage to decide to keep trying to sell that ao dai?”
Hafid thought before replying to Mr. Pathros.
“I was thinking only of Calneh’s daughter.
When I was in that awful pub
I thought I wouldn’t be able to see Lisha again if I failed.”
Here Hafid’s voice cracked:
“Anyway, I’ve lost Lisha!”
“You failed, I don’t understand.
The shirt is gone?”
Hafid spoke in a low voice that made Mr. Pathros lean forward to listen,
the story that happened in the cave,
the baby and the tunic.
Mr. Pathros glanced from time to time through the tent door
where the light of the star was still illuminating the camp.
A smile appeared on Mr. Pathros’ surprised face again
and he realized that Hafid had stopped talking, the boy was sobbing.
The sobs soon died down and there was only silence in the tent.
Hafid did not dare to look up at his master.
He failed and proved himself to be nothing more than a camel herder.
He wanted to get up and run out of the tent.
But then Hafid felt Mr. Pathros’ hands on his shoulders,
which lifted his face
so that he looked Mr. Pathros straight in the eye.
“My son, this trip has not brought you any profit.”
“Yes sir.”
“But with me, yes.
The star that follows you has saved me from a blindness
I have stubbornly refused to recognize for so long.
I will explain this to you when we return to Palmyra.
Now I have only one request for you.”
“Yes sir.”
“My salesmen will return to the caravan,
and tomorrow afternoon their weary camels need
caretaker. Would you please return to your duties
as a camel herder for now?”
Hafid stood up and put his arms around his master,
his benefactor:
“I’ll do anything you ask…
I’m sorry to disappoint you.”
“Go and prepare for the return of my men
and we shall meet again in Palmyra.”
Hafid came out of the tent,
partially dazzled by the light from above.
He rubbed his eyes and heard Mr. Pathros call
to him from inside the tent.
He turned to wait to hear Mr. Pathros speak.
Pathros stood there, looked up at the star,
and said,
“Sleep in peace, for you have not failed.”
The bright star remained in the sky all that night.
The bright light like Love,
like life,
is still there pure and bright.
The wealth can only increase according to your level of effort. – T. Harv Eker
*********************
Chapter 6
Nearly two weeks after the caravan returned
to its headquarters in Palmyra,
Hafid awoke on his straw mattress in the barn
and decided to meet his master, Mr. Pathros.
He waited impatiently by Mr. Pathros’ bed until his master awoke.
Mr. Pathros struggled with the blankets and at last sat up.
The old man’s face was full of fatigue
and his hands were full of veins.
It was hard for Hafid to realize this was the strong man
who spoke to him two weeks ago.
Mr. Pathros made his way with difficulty to the end of the bed
where the young man was waiting.
Sitting below, Hafid patiently waited for his master to speak.
Even Mr. Pathros’ voice was different from
what it had been two weeks ago.
“My son, you have had enough time
to think about your ambitions.
Do you still want to be a great salesman?”
“Yes, I still would, sir.”
The old man nodded:
“Then let it be.
I wanted to talk to you a lot,
but you see that there is much more to me.
Although I still consider myself the greatest salesman,
I still cannot sell death out of my door.
Death has been waiting here for days,
like a hungry dog at my doorstep.
And like a dog, he knows that my door is unguarded…”
Coughing interrupted Mr. Pathros
and Hafid remained silent while the old man regained his breath.
At last the cough stopped
and Mr. Pathros smiled weakly:
‘My time is short, so let’s begin.
First, get the wooden chest under the bed for me.”
Hafid knelt down and pulled out a small,
strapped wooden chest,
which he placed in front of Pathros.
The old man cleared his throat:
“Years ago when I was nothing more than a camel boy like you,
I saved an oriental traveler from the hands of two bandits.
He is grateful and wishes to reward me for saving my life
even though I did not ask for it or wish it.
And since I had neither family nor possessions,
he brought me home and took me as his.
“One day, when I got used to my new life,
he showed me this wooden chest.
Inside there are 10 numbered scrolls of leather.
The first scroll contains the secrets to learning.
Other scrolls contain principles
and rules for achieving success in sales.
The following year
I was taught daily with words of wisdom in the scrolls
and secrets of learning in the first scroll.
We almost memorize every word
until they become a part of our thinking and life.
They become our habits.
“Finally, one day he asked me to leave
and I was given this chest containing these ten scrolls,
a sealed envelope,
and a bag of money with fifty gold coins.
The letter is only opened
when I can no longer see the house that brought me in.
I went away and, until I was on the road to Palmyra,
I opened the letter.
The letter asks us to take those fifty gold coins
and apply what we have learned from the scrolls to start a new life.
The letter also asks us to share half of what we make
with those less fortunate.
The scrolls are not to be shared with anyone until one day,
I will receive a sign that will show me
who is chosen to inherit these scrolls.”
Hafid shook his head:
“I don’t quite understand, sir.”
“I will explain.
I’ve been intently searching
for the man with that mark for years,
and in the meantime
I’ve applied what I’ve learned from the scrolls
that have amassed a huge fortune today.
I had almost assumed there was not a person
with such a foreshadowing
until you returned from your trip to Bethlehem.
I recognized you as the one chosen
to receive these scrolls
when you appeared with that bright star overhead,
the star that had followed you from Bethlehem.
Inwardly I tried to understand the significance of this event
and eventually I ceased to want to test the actions of the Most High.
When you told me you gave away the shirt,
one meant too much to you.
Something vibrated in my heart
and I understood my long search was over.
I have found the person appointed to receive these scrolls.
Strangely enough,
when we know we have found the right successor
to what we have inherited,
our vitality also begins to gradually run out.
Now that I am nearing the end and my long search is over,
I can go in peace.”
The old man’s voice was almost inaudible,
and he tried to lean closer to Hafid:
“Listen carefully, son,
I won’t have the strength to repeat…”
Hafid’s eyes filled with tears
as he drew closer to his beloved master.
He touched the old man,
and Mr. Pathros tried to inhale:
“I now give you these scrolls,
but there are a few conditions you must abide by.
Here is a coin bag with 100 gold coins.
This money let me live and can buy one
goods to start your own business.
I could give you a lot of money,
but this could hurt you.
Anyway,
what I received today is more than enough for me
to become the greatest and richest salesman in the world.
You see,
I haven’t forgotten your dream.
“Leave this place and go to Damascus.
There you will have countless opportunities
to apply what you learn from these scrolls.
Once you’re settled somewhere, open the first scroll.
Read and re-read it until you understand the secrets
to learning the principles and rules in the next scrolls.
When you start learning the next book one by one,
you can also start your own business.
If you can combine what you learn
with the experiences you gather
and continue to study the instructions from these scrolls,
your business will grow day by day.
You must meet certain conditions before you can receive these.
My first condition is that you swear
that you will follow the instructions set forth in scroll number one.
Are you satisfied?”
“Yes sir.”
“Good, good… once you apply the principles in these scrolls
you will be able to be
as rich as you never dreamed of.
My second condition is
that you must give half of your profits
to those less fortunate than you.
There is no reduction for this condition.
Do you agree?”
“Yes sir.”
“And now the most important condition.
You are forbidden to share the experiences
you have learned from these scrolls
or their contents with anyone.
One day there will appear a person
with extraordinary signs similar
to your guiding star and open acts of love,
signs that I have been looking for.
When that happens, you will recognize these signs,
even if the person doesn’t even know that he is the chosen one.
When your heart tells you you’re right,
turn over the chest
and these scrolls to that person
– regardless of whether that person is a man or a woman
– unconditionally,
not like you and I had to obey.
The old letter we received makes it clear
that the third person receiving these scrolls can share its messages
with the whole world if he or she wishes.
Do you promise to obey this?”
“I will obey, sir.”
Mr. Pathros let out a long sigh of relief
as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
He smiled weakly and cupped Hafid’s face, saying softly,
“Take it and go.
I will never see you again.
Go away with my love and blessings for your success
and may your Lisha share in all the happiness the future will bring to you.”
Sincere tears streamed down Hafid’s cheeks
as he took the wooden chest
and walked out of his beloved master’s bedroom.
He paused outside the door,
turned around and said to his boss, ”
Is failure not going to knock you down
when your determination to succeed is strong enough?”
The old man nodded slowly.
He raised his hand to say goodbye to the young man.
His mission in this world has been completed,
he will be gone,
but the love he has always believed in will remain with the world forever.
Rich people do not focus on the problem
but always aim for the goal. – T. Harv Eker
**********************
Chapter 7
Hafid and his donkey entered Damascus through the east gate.
He rode his donkey along the main street
of the city in doubt and anxiety,
and the noise and hum of the hundreds of vendors
around did not calm the fear in Hafid’s heart.
It was one thing to enter a great city
in a great corps like Mr. Pathros’s,
but quite another to go alone.
Vendors swarmed in from all directions,
one by one with wares in hand,
all trying to outsell the others.
Hafid passed from small box-like stalls
to huge shops displaying crafts made of jute,
silver,
yarn,
wood and so on.
And with every step,
his donkey brought him face to face with people,
with a poor appearance,
hands outstretched as if begging for love.
In front of Hafid,
beyond the western wall,
the Hermon mountain rose toweringly.
Even in the middle of summer,
Mount Hermon was still covered with white snow,
and the mountain seemed to be throwing a stern,
enduring look at the noisy market.
Hafid left the busy road to find a place to stay
and without much difficulty he found an inn called Moscha.
He paid a month’s rent in advance for a small,
clean room.
He put the donkey in the stable in the back
and went to bathe in the nearby Barada River
before returning to his secrets.
Hafid placed his precious wooden chest at the foot
of the bed and began to unfasten the leather straps
that bound it around, the lid opened easily
and Hafid stared silently at his secret scrolls.
He reached out and respectfully touched the scrolls with his hand.
Under Hafid’s hand they seemed to come alive,
and he withdrew his hand.
Hafid got up and walked over to the window
that opened onto the street,
and from a half a mile away,
the commotion from the noisy bazaar could be heard.
Fear and doubt returned
as Hafid turned his gaze towards the echo of the noise
and he felt as though his faith was shaken.
Hafid closed his eyes,
leaned his head against the wall and said aloud:
“Oh, how crazy is it that
I dare to dream that I,
a camel herder,
might one day be the greatest salesman in the world
when and I don’t have the guts to
even go through the markets down there.
Today my eyes really see hundreds of salespeople,
better equipped for the profession than I am.
Everyone seemed to be getting ready
for the dense forest below.
It is foolish to think that we can compete and surpass them.
Oh, Mr. Pathros, my master of Pathros,
I fear I will disappoint you.”
He lay down on the bed,
tired from the journey,
he cried until he fell asleep.
When Hafid woke up,
it was already morning.
Before he could open his eyes,
he heard birdsong.
He sat up and was surprised
to see a sparrow perched on the top
of the chest with the scrolls,
the lid still open.
He went to the window,
outside there were thousands of sparrows chirping on the sycamore
and sycamore branches,
they were happy to welcome a new day.
While watching,
a few flew to the window but then immediately flew away.
Hafid turned to look at his feathered uninvited guest.
The little bird nodded and looked at him in response.
Hafid moved slowly to the side of the chest,
holding out his hand.
The bird flew up and landed on his palm.
“Thousands of your kind are out there
and only you have the courage to come in here.”
The bird pecked at Hafid’s palm
and he took the bird back to where his bag of bread
and butter was.
Hafid broke a piece of bread
and spread it on the table for the bird,
who pecked the crumbs.
A thought occurred to Hafid,
he went back to the window and touched the net.
They were so small and tight
that not a single sparrow could get through.
And then Hafid suddenly remembered the voice of Mr. Pathros
and repeated loudly:
“Failure cannot defeat you if your desire
for success is strong enough.”
He returned to the chest,
reached inside and pulled out the first scroll,
which he unrolled.
The fear in him disappeared.
Hafid turned to look at the bird.
It also flew away.
Only breadcrumbs remained
as proof of the presence of the uninvited guest,
the brave little bird.
Hafid returned to the scroll,
and he read the first line:
“The first scroll.”
And then he started reading…
Getting rich begins with the right mindset,
the right words and the right plan. — Robert Kiyosaki
