Think & Grow Rich

A good fable is something everyone loves, and this one is no exception. Julian Mantle is the protagonist. He is a prominent attorney with a hectic schedule and shameful spiritual priorities. Mantle must have a heart attack or a crisis to stop him from doing so. He does pause, selling his possessions in order to travel India and pursuing a meaningful life. One of the simple tips that the Himalayan gurus gave along the way was “What lies behind and what lies in front of you is nothing compared with what lies within yourself.” It is easy to overlook the simplicity of the story. Each kernel of wisdom was crafted to address the persistent angst among Western white-collar workers. He experiences a physical and spiritual collapse that causes him to confront his entire life. He sets out to find happiness and fulfillment and embarks on an extraordinary journey to an ancient culture. There he discovers a powerful way to unleash his mind, body and soul. This inspiring story combines ancient spiritual wisdom from the east and modern success principles from the west to show how you can live with more courage, joy, balance, abundance, and joy. Chapter 1The Wake-Up CallHe fell in front of a packed courtroom. He was one the country’s most prominent trial lawyers. He was also a man who was as well known for the three-thousand-dollar Italian suits which draped his well-fed frame as for his remarkable string of legal victories. I was paralysed by the shock at what I just witnessed and simply stood there. Julian Mantle, the great Julian Mantle, had been reduced to a victim. He was shaking like an infant, sweating like a madman and shivering as he lay on the ground. “My God! Julian is in trouble!” His paralegal shouted in panic, offering us an emotional glimpse at the obvious. Panic-stricken, the judge quickly spoke into her private phone that she had set up in case of emergency. For me, I was dazed and confused. You old fool, please don’t go mad. You should check it out before it’s too late. It’s not right for you to die like that. The bailiff, who looked earlier as though he had been placed in a standing position, jumped into action and began to give CPR to the fallen legal hero. He was surrounded by the paralegal, his long, blond curls hanging over Julian’s ruby-red eyes. She offered him comfort words, which he clearly could not understand. Julian was seventeen years old when I first met him. When I was a young lawyer student, one of his partners hired me as a summer intern in research. He had seen it all. He was a talented, handsome, and fearless trial lawyer with dreams of greatness. Julian was the young star of the firm, the rain-maker in wait. I still vividly recall walking past his elegant corner office as I worked late that night, and seeing the framed quote perched on his oak desk. It was written by Winston Churchill, and speaks volumes about Julian. Victory will be ours as long as we believe in ourselves and have an unconquerable will. Julian lived up to his words. He was hardworking, determined and willing to work 18 hours a day for the success he believed was his. Through the grapevine, I learned that his grandfather was a prominent senator and that his father was a respected judge at the Federal Court. His Armani-clad shoulders showed that he was wealthy and had high expectations. He was a runner, that’s for sure. He loved to put on a show and was determined to do things his way. Julian’s courtroom antics were often featured in the newspaper. Famous and wealthy people flocked to Julian’s side whenever they needed an aggressive legal tactician. He was also well-known for his extracurricular activities. Late-night trips to top restaurants in the city with sexy young models or reckless drinking with his rowdy group of brokers, which he called his “demolition squad”, became a legend at the firm. It’s still a mystery to me why he chose me to join him in that sensational murder case that he was to argue that summer. Although I was a Harvard Law School graduate, my family history showed that I wasn’t the most bright intern at the firm. After a time in the Marines, my father spent his entire life working as a security guard at a bank. My mother was raised in the Bronx unceremoniously. He did choose me to be his legal gofer in what was known as the “Mother of All Murder Trials”. He said that he liked my “hunger.” Of course, we won and the business executive charged with murdering his wife was now free. Or as free as his messy conscience would allow him to be. I was fortunate to have that summer’s education. It was more than just a lesson in how to raise reasonable doubts where none exist — any lawyer who is worth his salt could do this. It was both a lesson in psychology and an opportunity to see a master at work. It was like a sponge that I took in everything. Julian invited me to join the firm as an associate. We quickly became friends. He wasn’t always the easiest to work with, but I have to admit it. Being his junior was often a frustrating experience that led to a lot of late-night shouting matches. He was in control. He could not be wrong. But beneath his crusty exterior, he was an individual who clearly cared about others. He would always ask Jenny about Jenny, who despite being busy, he still calls “my bride”. Even though Jenny and I were married before I started law school, it didn’t matter what he was doing. Julian helped me get a scholarship after learning from another summer intern about my financial situation. He could play hardball like the best, and he loved to have fun with his friends. Julian was obsessed with his work.
The Monk Who Sold his Ferrari is an inspirational story with a worldwide reputation. It offers readers a simple but profound way to live your life. This story centers on Julian Mantle, an attorney who has made his name and fortune in this field. The life of a successful lawyer is disrupted by a sudden heart attack. His practice is halted when he is struck by sudden illness. He considers whether material success is worth it all and decides to leave for India. Julian is able to see life from a new perspective after a visit to India. He resolves to live his life in a more meaningful and fulfilling way. The book takes the reader on a spiritual journey through an ancient culture that has collected wisdom over the millennia. The book teaches how to live happy, think deeply and rightly and value time and relationships. It also explains how to be more disciplined, listen to your heart and live each moment. The book is simple and easy to read. It has become a bestseller. Robin Sharma demonstrates the wonders and miracles of living a fulfilled life through storytelling. The book introduces readers, through storytelling, to simple yet profound principles that can help make life more fulfilling, happy, and meaningful. This book is a bestseller. What readers around the world love about it is the clever amalgamation of philosophies from the western and eastern worlds. Important personalities from all walks of life have been following the book’s progress. About Robin Sharma, the international leadership professional Guru and bestselling author of “The Monk Who Sold his Ferrari”, was first published in 1999. He is also credited with writing 15 books about leadership. His life experiences have helped him guide people towards a better way of living. His best-selling books include The Leader Without a Title, The Leader Without a Title, The Greatness Guide, The Leader without a Title, The Leader With No Title, The Saint and The Saint. Sharma Leadership International Inc is a company that trains leaders. Robin is a former litigation lawyer and holds a law degree at Dalhousie Law School in Canada. This book, along with The Greatness Guide, has been a bestseller around the globe and has been translated into as many as 70 languages.