Life & Style | Education
Learning from fables
Ambreen Noon Kazi reviews a self-help book with a twist.
- By Ambreen Noon Kazi
- Published: 00:01 March 16, 2008
Ambreen Noon Kazi reviews a self-help book with a twist
The Monk who sold his Ferrari
By Robin S. Sharma
One of those Chicken Soup for the Soul types of motivational books that continue to line the best-seller shelves in all bookstores, The Monk Who Sold his Ferrari is a fable of the life of Julian Mantle, a superstar lawyer whose out-of-balance lifestyle leads him to an almost fatal heart attack in a packed courtroom. His physical collapse brings on a spiritual crisis which forces him to confront his lifestyle and seek answers to life's most important questions.
Told as a narrative by Julian's friend and co-worker, John, the book offers an approach to living a simple life with greater balance, strength and courage. It focuses on the benefits of good health by emphasising the ancient wisdom of Indian sages.
The fable format of the book is a refreshing change from some of the other self-help books out there as the narrative allows readers to subtly swallow the ideas rather than follow a tiresome list of 'to do' things. Although most of the principles dealt with can be found in countless other books on self-help and spirituality, Sharma puts together things in a non-dictatorial manner that allows the reader to self-analyse.
For readers who dream of making it big and count flashy cars and high-profiled lifestyles as indicators of true success, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari is timely food for thought. The message, though a trifle clichéd and lecturing, is about finding balance. A helpful read if self help is your thing!
Author of the week: Robin S. Sharma
Born in 1965 Robin Sharma is an author of several international bestsellers and is counted as an international expert on leadership and personality development. Originally of Indian origin, Sharma grew up in Canada. He is an alumnus of the Dalhousie Law School and practiced law before taking up writing.
His most famous book, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, has been published in over 35 countries and translated into 40 languages. His other works include Who Will Cry When You Die?, Leadership Wisdom From The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, Discover Your Destiny With The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, The Greatness Guide: Powerful secrets of getting to World Class, Discover Your Destiny, The Saint, the Surfer and the CEO and Mega Living!
Sharma is counted as an expert in subjects relating to self-mastery and organisational excellence.
- The writer is an avid reader and collector of books in Dubai
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