Principles to acquire wealth, love, happiness and peace of mind

Synopsis: This story is an excerpt from the book “The Greatest Salesman in the World” written by Og Mandino. Pathros is a very successful merchant, rich and wealthy and he is old.  Hafid has worked for Pathros as a camel boy who takes care of the camels coming back from long selling trips. Hafid, however, does not want to be just a camel boy all his life, he desires to be a successful salesman. And this is a summary of the lessons learned from their conversation; between Pathros and Hafid.
 

Goals in life: Pathros said “Wealth, 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.” Do not aspire for wealth and labor not only to be rich. Strive instead for happiness, to be loved and to love, and most important, to acquire peace of mind and serenity. Wealth is good when it brings joy to others.
 

Mentor is important but not decisive: Pathros considered his help to Hafid is a grain of sand, whereas Hafid must move the mountains for himself to succeed as a saleman.
 

Self-motivation: Hafid has fire inside himself, and he requested for help from Pathros showing that Hafid has a fire of ambition glows in his eyes and his face burned with desire.
 

Commitment by actions, not just words: However, those words are not sufficient. Pathros wants Hafid to prove himself. Never feel shame for trying and failing for he who has never failed is he who has never tried. Failure will never overtake you if your determination to succeed is strong enough.
 

Face challenges with courage on the journey: Pathros said obstacles are necessary for success because in selling, as in all careers of importance, victory comes only after many struggles and countless defeats. Many succumb to despair and fail. Each struggle, each defeat, sharpens your skills and strengths, 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.
 

Have honest love, sympathy and generosity from heart: Hafid could not sell the robe after 4 days, and to preserve his fund and food, he went to sleep in a cave with his animal. There, he met a couple with a newborn who is cold even though the parents tried to cover the new enfant. Hafid, despite of the preciousness of the robe, gave it away to keep the baby warm and left the cave, went to see his master. He scared that he had failed his master. The salesman must be unselfish, ready to share 50% of his earning with those who less fortunate.
 

Learn the principles: Experience is overrated, usually by old men who nod wisely and speak stupidly. Experience teaches men but finally dissapeared on dead men. Experience is like fashion; successful today will be unworkable and impractical tomorrow. Only principles endure.