The Greatest Salesman in the World by Mandino is an educational book set in Egypt and ancient Jerusalem. The book's main character is Hafid, and it is written in the third-person perspective from Hafid's point of view. The author's objective in this informative book is to emphasize the significance of forming good habits, being persistent, and having unconditional love as the foundational pillars of success in this world.
When the book commences, Hafid is introduced as a young, ambitious boy working as a camel boy for his boss called, Pathros, a triumphant salesperson who is very wealthy. Despite Hafid coming from a poor family, he is determined to succeed, and Pathros discovers his ambition. When Hafid asks his boss to be his mentor and teach him how to succeed, he gladly accepts. Pathros starts teaching Hafid the principles of success, and the biggest is forming good habits. Mandino focuses on forming good habits and enlightens readers on the significance of positive energy if they want to succeed. Forming good habits is in Pathros' first scroll that he hands over to Hafid. Hafid is expected to read ten equally important scrolls, but the first one forms the foundation for success. According to the mentor, Hafid must start each day with positive energy while taming good behavior. Every day Hafid wakes up, he practices how to behave well and avoid any negative energy or bad habit that can distract him from achieving his goal, which is a success.
Success in sales is determined by the ability of the person to attract people towards him, and the best strategy for achieving that goal is to have unconditional love. Pathros tells Hafid that the more he loves people, the more they become attracted to him. Therefore, love towards others must be unconditional because it comes back in myriad ways of success. In addition, sharing with the needy is another major issue Pathros advises Hafid to do if he wants to succeed.
The climax in the book comes when Hafid becomes a grown-up. After strictly following his mentor's teachings, he becomes the most successful salesperson in history. He shares his wealth with the needy and tithes regularly to thank God for his success.
