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The Greatest Mystery in the World
Start today to transform your dreams into wonderful reality. . . .
Simon Potter was a "ragpicker" and salvager of human lives. When this wise and humble man departed from life, he left author Og Mandino a precious the distilled wisdom of his unique collection of the greatest books about self-motivation and success--books he called "hand of God" books because they seemed to have been written with God's hand guiding the author's own.
In this tender and inspiring book, Og shares with his millions of readers his old friend's bequest. It is nothing less than a blueprint for success, telling us in plain language exactly what we must do to mount the seven rungs of life's ladder--from material achievement and worldly success to the highest spiritual development. Whatever your most cherished dream may be, Og and his good angel Simon will show you the way to bring it within reach.
Simon Potter was a "ragpicker" and salvager of human lives. When this wise and humble man departed from life, he left author Og Mandino a precious the distilled wisdom of his unique collection of the greatest books about self-motivation and success--books he called "hand of God" books because they seemed to have been written with God's hand guiding the author's own.
In this tender and inspiring book, Og shares with his millions of readers his old friend's bequest. It is nothing less than a blueprint for success, telling us in plain language exactly what we must do to mount the seven rungs of life's ladder--from material achievement and worldly success to the highest spiritual development. Whatever your most cherished dream may be, Og and his good angel Simon will show you the way to bring it within reach.
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 28, 1997
29 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Og Mandino
264 books899 followersAugustine "Og" Mandino II (December 12, 1923 – September 3, 1996) was an American author. He wrote the bestselling book The Greatest Salesman in the World. His books have sold over 50 million copies and have been translated into over twenty-five different languages. He was the president of Success Unlimited magazine until 1976 and is an inductee of the National Speakers Association's Hall Of Fame.
Mandino was born December 12, 1923. According to the 1930 U.S. Census, he was named after his paternal grandfather.
Mandino was once the editor of a high school paper and planned to attend the University of Missouri's journalism school. But in the summer of 1940, before Mandino was able to enter college, his mother died suddenly from a massive heart attack. This happened while Mandino's mother was in the kitchen preparing his lunch. After the incident, Mandino decided to work in a paper factory until 1942. Afterwards, Mandino joined the United States Army Air Corps where he became a military officer and a bombardier. He flew for thirty bombing missions over Germany on board a B-24 Liberator during World War II. It was also during this time that Mandino flew with fellow pilot and movie star, James Stewart. Mandino kept a personalized 8 X 10 photograph of Stewart. This photograph hung on the wall of his home office where he wrote his books.
After his military duties, Mandino discovered that many companies were not hiring many former bomber pilots. As a result, he became an insurance salesman. Traveling on the road and sitting in bars at night, Mandino became an alcoholic. He was unable to keep a job. As a result, Mandino's wife, together with their only child, left him. One wintry November morning in Cleveland, Mandino almost tried to commit suicide. But as he sorted through several books in a library, volumes of self-help, success and motivation books captured Mandino's attention. He selected some titles, went to a table and began reading. Mandino followed his visit to the library with more visits to many other libraries around the United States. He read hundreds of books that dealt with success, a pastime that helped him alleviate his alcoholism. It was in a library in Concord, New Hampshire, where he found W. Clement Stone's classic, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude, a book that changed Mandino for the better.
Mandino eventually became a successful writer. His works were inspired by the Bible and influenced by Napoleon Hill, W. Clement Stone, and Emmet Fox.
Mandino was born December 12, 1923. According to the 1930 U.S. Census, he was named after his paternal grandfather.
Mandino was once the editor of a high school paper and planned to attend the University of Missouri's journalism school. But in the summer of 1940, before Mandino was able to enter college, his mother died suddenly from a massive heart attack. This happened while Mandino's mother was in the kitchen preparing his lunch. After the incident, Mandino decided to work in a paper factory until 1942. Afterwards, Mandino joined the United States Army Air Corps where he became a military officer and a bombardier. He flew for thirty bombing missions over Germany on board a B-24 Liberator during World War II. It was also during this time that Mandino flew with fellow pilot and movie star, James Stewart. Mandino kept a personalized 8 X 10 photograph of Stewart. This photograph hung on the wall of his home office where he wrote his books.
After his military duties, Mandino discovered that many companies were not hiring many former bomber pilots. As a result, he became an insurance salesman. Traveling on the road and sitting in bars at night, Mandino became an alcoholic. He was unable to keep a job. As a result, Mandino's wife, together with their only child, left him. One wintry November morning in Cleveland, Mandino almost tried to commit suicide. But as he sorted through several books in a library, volumes of self-help, success and motivation books captured Mandino's attention. He selected some titles, went to a table and began reading. Mandino followed his visit to the library with more visits to many other libraries around the United States. He read hundreds of books that dealt with success, a pastime that helped him alleviate his alcoholism. It was in a library in Concord, New Hampshire, where he found W. Clement Stone's classic, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude, a book that changed Mandino for the better.
Mandino eventually became a successful writer. His works were inspired by the Bible and influenced by Napoleon Hill, W. Clement Stone, and Emmet Fox.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 9, 2013
This is a book about perseverance. It's about continuing to follow your dreams and doing so in a way that attracts other people along the way.
The greatest qualities discussed in the book are: not giving up, a lovely sense of humility, and letting go of our half wisdom to accept new truth. What's also beautiful about the book is it is a very quick read. It's something I give to my coworkers and friends.
The greatest qualities discussed in the book are: not giving up, a lovely sense of humility, and letting go of our half wisdom to accept new truth. What's also beautiful about the book is it is a very quick read. It's something I give to my coworkers and friends.
May 28, 2010
LOVE THIS BOOK!! Very interesting perspective on life, success, and business. I really have loved all of his books that I have read, he is just a fantastic author.
March 22, 2023
Inspirational really a great book to break you out of a funk ! Hard to categorize this book is a great choice to give out to friends and family .
August 22, 2008
Anything by Mandinio is a must read.
December 7, 2012
I really liked this one. I read a lot and this was really rewarding for me.
I would highly recommend any of Og's books!
I would highly recommend any of Og's books!
March 1, 2013
Love Ogs book
October 2, 2015
A must-read.
March 28, 2018
This is an awesome book. I have some of it memorized. Try it, you'll like it.
September 6, 2025
A short, sweet little mindset book. I enjoyed the collection of letters and the overall philosophy of treating others with dignity.
As a business owner, one of the biggest lessons I've learned is that you never know what is happening in someone else's life. Today's No can become a yes next week, next month or a while down the line. With books like this, I just give my shirt two cents because different aspects will stand out to everyone. Take some time and read this.
As a business owner, one of the biggest lessons I've learned is that you never know what is happening in someone else's life. Today's No can become a yes next week, next month or a while down the line. With books like this, I just give my shirt two cents because different aspects will stand out to everyone. Take some time and read this.
April 28, 2022
This was a phenomenal book! The "Rungs of Life's Ladder" are taken from some of the best personal growth literature in the world, and it's all compiled into this one little book. I read it through twice just to absorb as much as I could from it. I highly recommend reading this if you're wanting to improve your mindset.
September 16, 2022
Si bien es un libro pequeño de letra grande, es más para comprenderlo que sólo leerlo.
Si bien el creer la premisa del libro es, si crees que es cierta, una cuestión de fe, si sabes que es ficción, pico creíble, los puntos que trata son reflexivos a más no poder.
Hace mucho que no lo releía. Se sintió realmente diferente.
Si bien el creer la premisa del libro es, si crees que es cierta, una cuestión de fe, si sabes que es ficción, pico creíble, los puntos que trata son reflexivos a más no poder.
Hace mucho que no lo releía. Se sintió realmente diferente.
December 4, 2021
I liked the message of the book but I felt like all of it could've been told with much fewer words. (it's not a thick book at all) I will definitely try to follow some of the advices from it to improve my every day life.
August 25, 2022
Another great work by Og Mandino. This book parallels his other works and doesn't go as deep into the "story" but moreso focuses on the principles that underlie his works. Great reminders about living the best life you can.
April 23, 2024
who knew this seemingly thin book would’ve had so much to unpack and share about living life 🥹 i loved a lot of lines from this book ♥️ it may have once again made me spiral into thinking that eventually, the world could be a better place - some day
August 17, 2017
This book change my life❤️
May 13, 2018
I enjoyed the book but not as much as some of Og's other works.
December 22, 2021
Very insightful. Have read it a couple times and feel it is part of the foundational thinking that guides my life.
January 18, 2023
Աշխարհի մեծագույն առեղծվածը մնում է մարդը։ Այս գրողի ոճի մեջ ինձ դուր է գալիս խոնարհության և համարձակություն դրսևորելու ձևը որը կդառնա մի նոր հաղթանակ եթե գտնել այն ինչ կհամարես քոնը
July 21, 2025
Og Mandino's final book is, like all his books, at once a gem and a masterpiece. If you are a seeker, you will love this glorious book.
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August 23, 2011Og Mandino has a way with words. Book is easy to read and it's one to read over and over again! How many times have I read it? A few times over the years...Need to read it again so I can type up a bit of a summary...
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July 29, 2013kvkrtik,lyu ,mvg,k m jh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2008
Great tips for life.
January 4, 2014
Awesom condensed collection of very important life wisdoms.
June 27, 2014
Great simple words by Mr. Og good road map to achieve greatness in within
April 24, 2017
An inspiring book.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews