The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams & Reaching Your Destiny

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The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams & Reaching Your Destiny

3.66 of 5 stars 3.66 · rating details · 17,785 ratings · 1,205 reviews

Wisdom to Create a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Peace

This inspiring tale provides a step-by-step approach to living with greater courage, balance, abundance, and joy. A wonderfully crafted fable, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari tells the extraordinary story of Julian Mantle, a lawyer forced to confront the spiritual crisis of his out-of-balance life. On a life-changing odys...more

Paperback, 224 pages

Published April 21st 1999 by HarperOne (first published 1996)

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Jun 18, 2012 David Tendo rated it 2 of 5 stars

Loved the message, just didn't like the format it was presented in. Felt like the author just had a list of frequently asked questions and set out to answer each and every one of them one by one systematically, so there wasn't much narrative or actual enjoyment in the reading of it. The "story" is essentially just 2 guys talking over dinner, actually only 1 guy talking (the titular Monk), the other guy is just there to ask the questions in between the long monologues and to confirm the Monk's an...more

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Feb 02, 2013 Dimple rated it 4 of 5 stars

"The monk who sold his Ferrari" can be called as life-changing novel!
These kind of novels add essence to your life and gives you direction specially in the hard times. It gives you the answer to the questions like What is the purpose of life? How we can attain happiness and satisfaction? etc..
Nothing in it is Unknown to us yet it makes us notice that "Known"!
It tells us to savor each moment with exuberance along with an aim in life.. It is our prerogative to lead a happy successful and rewarding...more

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Mar 18, 2012 SAUD rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

الكتاب بشكل عام يحث على عدم اليأس من هموم الحيآة مشآكلها ومصآئبها ،،

ايضا كآنت محاولة من الكآتب في نقل الثقآفة الهندية إلي الغرب ،،
ومحآولة التأثير بالرجل الغربي وصرفه عن مآيسمى "بالحلم الامريكي"،
والذي يعتقده الغرب ،، هو مآيحيآ من اجله الرجل الغربي

أيضا نجح في تصوير او تشبيه عقل الانسآن بالحقل او الحديقة ،،
فكلما اهتممت به وزينته بالازهآر النآفعة ،،كلما سآندك ورفع من قدرك امام الناس
وكلما سقيته بالعالم النافع ،، اثمر بالافكار الثمينة

كتاب يستحق الاقتناء ومفيد لمن يبحث عن تطوير وانارة عقله

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Apr 07, 2013 Rami Shouk rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Everyone

Shelves: favorites

THE most useful book I have read so far!
I guess, that when you read this book, if you open your mind to its ideas and concepts, you’re gonna find it revolutionizing and life changing. Otherwise, you’re just gonna think it’s boring and never go through with it. Well, in my case, and because I was looking for this kind of book for so long, I found it very useful, and I just KNOW that lots of things in my life won’t be the same because of it.
In a very simple, yet very meaningful short story Robin...more

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Jun 07, 2013 Confirmed Neurotic rated it 1 of 5 stars

"The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari":------> A strange thing happened an indefinite period of time ago. While searching for my favorite "The Girl in Blue" to revisit, I came across this inconspicuous book lying smugly amongst my other meager worldly possessions. How it got there is still a mystery!! It must be one of those "Buy 1 Get 5 Free" kind of a Crossword deal or it may be a result of one of my mindless shopping spree of cheap books from Church-Gate/Flora fountain area. Anyway being vaguely...more

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Nov 26, 2010 Hatem rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

قراءة : حاتم سالم

عنوان لافت للنظر يختصر قصة محامي ناجح يسقط ارضا اثر ازمة قلبية في جلسة مرافعة. في آخر الأيام تبدلت أحوال جوليان مانتل إلى ذلك الشخص الذي يطنب لساعات في قاعة المحكمة دون أن يستطيع أن يغير من مسار قضية موكله شيئا !. لقد كان محاميا لامعا يملك كل ما يتمناه أي شخص , يلبس بذلات ايطالية لا يقل السعر الواحدة منها عن ثلاثة آلاف من الدولارات و يرتاد أرقى المقاهي الليلية بصحبة الفاتنات.

في ثوان معدودة حسمت الأزمة القلبية الأمر. وكأنها نتيجة للانفلات الاجتماعي والعاطفي والروحاني الذي كان يعي...more قراءة : حاتم سالم

عنوان لافت للنظر يختصر قصة محامي ناجح يسقط ارضا اثر ازمة قلبية في جلسة مرافعة. في آخر الأيام تبدلت أحوال جوليان مانتل إلى ذلك الشخص الذي يطنب لساعات في قاعة المحكمة دون أن يستطيع أن يغير من مسار قضية موكله شيئا !. لقد كان محاميا لامعا يملك كل ما يتمناه أي شخص , يلبس بذلات ايطالية لا يقل السعر الواحدة منها عن ثلاثة آلاف من الدولارات و يرتاد أرقى المقاهي الليلية بصحبة الفاتنات.

في ثوان معدودة حسمت الأزمة القلبية الأمر. وكأنها نتيجة للانفلات الاجتماعي والعاطفي والروحاني الذي كان يعيشه مانتل في آخر الأيام. ذلك الانفلات الذي بدأ فقط بهوس بالعمل إلى ساعات متأخرة من الليل سعيا لحل القضايا الواردة لمكتبه. نهاية إلى المادية التي كان يغرق بها نفسه والتي تتجلى أبرز صورها في سياقة ليلية متهورة لشخصه المخمور بصحبة فريق – لا يقل شغبا عنه - اسماه " فريق التدمير" !

يقرر جوليان أن يترك المحاماه ويختفي بعدها لثلاث سنوات. عاد جوليان شابا يافعا بشكل فاجأ رفيق مهنته القديم جون , عاد مليئا بالسلام الداخلي , خاليا من التجاعيد , ومن عينيه يشع بريق بشكل جعل من جون لا يصدق نفسه انه امام صديقه القديم الذي رآه آخر مرة وهو مظطرب متعب.

في هذا الكتاب يسرد جوليان رحلته إلى جبال الهمالايا ولقاؤه بالمعلم كريشنا , الذي يشاركه نفس الماضي الأليم ومهنة المحاماة , فقرر أن يترك كل شئ خلفه. علمه كريشنا ألا يندم على ماضيه أيا كان , فالماضي هو أفضل معلم للبشر. كثيرة هي اسرار الحياة الجملية التي تعلمها جوليان من المعلم كريشنا , لكنه – اي جوليان – لن ينسى بالتأكيد أفضل ما دلّه عليه كريشنا وهو عالم السافانا.

وفي هجرة صعبة تكبد فيها جوليان عناء التسلق إلى حيث العالم الجديد. تتغير الوجوه ويطل عليه أكبر الرهبان هناك خبرة وسنا , المعلم رامان , ولفترة يظل يتلقى الدروس حول سر الحياة الجميلة. كانت البداية بقصة من المعلم رامان في غاية البساطة تتحدث عن مصارع سومو , وساعة ذهبية ومنارة شاهقة , وازهار صفراء ندية وماسات في حديقة غناء. ويردف بعدها المعلم رامان قائلا : " اياك ان تتجاهل قوة البساطة " وكأنه يقول ان رموز هذه القصة الصغيرة بها أسرار الحياة يا جوليان.

تمضي القصة شارحا فيها جوليان لصديقه جون كل الرموز السبعة وفضائلها والاساليب المتبعة لاسقاطها كمتغيرات على حياة الفرد. فعندما يتحدث الحديقة الغناء فهو يعني أن العقل عقلك وانك مسؤول عن السيطرة عليه وزراعته بالنباتات الجيدة ويعرض الكتاب أساليبا يمكن استخدامها كقلب الزهرة الذي يعني ان تعطي لعقلك فرصة للتركيز بالاشياء.

ويختمها بالحديث عن الماس المنثور في طريق ما بالحديقة. وعلى نفس النهج يعرض فضائل الرمز وبعضا من الأساليب المساعدة. كانت الفضيلة هنا ان تحتضن لحظاتك الراهنة وكانت الحكمة أن تعيش كل يوم كما لو كان يوما آخر عن الذي سبقه. وكانت ممارسة الامتنان واحدة من الاساليب المتبعة للمشي في طريق منثور بالماس !
ان كتاب كهذا واحد من أجمل الكتب التي قرأتها هدفا , فلا تخلو صفحة من ( القصة ) من حكمة ما , وكما ان التسلسل اللافت للاحداث والمعاني مدهش ويسهل الاستيعاب على القارئ. بحق لقد أعاد روبن شارما في كتابه هذا فلسفة حياة أهملها العالم , فلسفة لأناس يقبعون في عالم صغير ملئ بالبساطة , لكنه العالم الذي خلص جوليان من خطر محدق وجعله يولد من جديد.

ستعجب حتما بأن اساليب حكماء السافا ليست مجرد خطوات معنوية تجبرك على اتباع طرق معينة لظبط اهدافك , بل انها روزنامة من الافكار التي تظبط غذائك وتفكيرك واهدافك وحركتك أيضا ! . هل يلزمني الحديث عن الكتاب أكثر ؟! . اعتقد انك الآن بحاجة لقراءة كتاب ممتع كهذا أكثر من حاجتك لقراءة هذه المراجعة. اذن خذ نفسا وكوبا من القهوة وابدأ مراجعة عالمك الذاتي مع " الراهب الذي باع سيارته الفيراري" !
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May 25, 2010 راڤـــــان rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

لا يختلف كثيراً عن الكتب التي تتحدث عن البدء من جديد و نبذ أسلوب الحياة الذي يتبعه غالبية الناس خصوصاً في الغرب من جري وراء الماديات و إهمال لقيمة الحياة إلى أن يصل الفرد إلى نقطة يدرك فيها أن كل ما حققه من ثروة و نجاح و شهرة و سلطة قد بدأ بجره إلى الهاوية بدلاً من أن يؤمن له حياة كريمة.
قصة جميلة تستحق أن تقرأ

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Jun 03, 2007 Peep Laja rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: people searching for meaning and direction

The first time I read this book I just loved it. I read it at the time when I was asking myself questions regarding 'What to do with my life?'.

I found the book very energizing, giving me a lot of inspiration and motivation to go on and many answers to my questions.

When I read the book the second time, it didn't seem to have the same effect.

PS! Who is looking for great literary value, will be disappointed. Sharma is no writer, but if you can focus on the message, it won't bother.

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May 20, 2012 Veydh Gooljar rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book had many good techniques which would help focus and tame your mind, overall living a better lifestyle.

The only thing I personally wasn't too fond of with this book was its choice of delivery. I pretty much felt like I was in a follower's or fanboy's shoes being pitched a deal by a well-respected person (which I'm sure Sharma was going for - but it did not appeal to me).

Readers are treated like third party spectators, listening in on the conversation between Julian(the person who had we...more

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Jun 25, 2011 Bianda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A spiritual journey of a hot-shot lawyer who owns a 'fabolous' life and a ferrari, and eventually turns himself to become a monk and live a truly enlightened life.
He shares his amazing experience and new wisdom that he has gained to his former colleague. These wisdoms are shared throughout the entire book.
Most of them are really inspirational to live a life full of purpose.

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Jan 22, 2011 Roo78lm rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

راائع

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Apr 10, 2011 Jojo A rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What can I say about this book. At the very begining of it I was glad to read it because it had triggered many bad habits I was doing related to my thinking which awakened me. However, I was doing 3/4 of what Julian was talking about, so I was more familiar with what he mentioned or tired to convey.

The story if fanatic which is produced in a phsycological analysis. It's yes inspirational, but come on! They made the 10 ritual habits so easy to do which is not, when I reached the half of the book...more

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Oct 18, 2008 Astrid Natasastra rated it 1 of 5 stars

Now I rarely read a book and stopped halfway.
Unless if it's really really boring.
Such as this one.
And it wasn't supposed to be boring. Because it's a fable.
But I didn't get anything out of it.So halfway reading, I skim through the rest.
I have the habit of joting down verses/nice words from my readings and..this book failed to give me anything.

Other than that.. I feel like it's a 'trying too hard version'of 'The Secret', 'Eat Pray Love' (the 'Pray section) and 'Tuesday with Morrie'

So sadly to say...more

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Jan 29, 2009 Samerron rated it 4 of 5 stars

Read this book if you want to add a new dimension to your life. It is the first spiritual book I read. Usually I didn’t go for such books for the reason that seeking more into religion would cover it. Now I realize that regardless of your religion, these books contain vital knowledge and information that you might encounter for the first time in your life. One topic which was innovative and influential is the inner spiritual serenity, self-knowledge and self-control. I always had a glimpse of it...more

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Jun 12, 2013 Swati Agarwal rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Swati by: Santosh Kumar Gupta

The title of the book is eye-catching; Looks like the story of a wealthy man depicting his life experiences and what made him sell his luxurious Ferrari. But the content of the book is not that obvious. It does not really tell about story of a man who became monk, but in an indirect way it is compilation of the author's suggestions, idea and teachings on how to live the life of a monk without disowning anything at all.

I read somewhere that this book is about leadership and is recommended in MBA...more

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Mar 13, 2013 Megha Kn rated it 4 of 5 stars

The first thing struck me as I began reading this book is its language; it couldn’t be more apt. Not too complicated as many authors nowadays tend to write to make their novel look complex, neither is it too simple where you feel you are reading a primary school English text book. Mr. Sharma uses perfect English language, that encourages us to look into the dictionary at times and gives us a chance to enhance our vocabulary. I was marveled by the apt use of words, intricately describing each sc...more The first thing struck me as I began reading this book is its language; it couldn’t be more apt. Not too complicated as many authors nowadays tend to write to make their novel look complex, neither is it too simple where you feel you are reading a primary school English text book. Mr. Sharma uses perfect English language, that encourages us to look into the dictionary at times and gives us a chance to enhance our vocabulary. I was marveled by the apt use of words, intricately describing each scene in the book – “... as if to display both a love of these prized possessions and a distrust of this tall Westerner, about as common as dew in the desert”, “... as the first rays of the Indian sun danced along the colorful horizon”, “it was as if the tensions ... had sensed that they were not welcome to the summit of serenity and moved on to more inviting prospects”, to mention a few.

Every para and every line is good to be quoted at in lectures and writings. But all together in a book, it is not as touching as a Paulo Coelho or a Khalil Gibran. It’s more of a management in philosophy rather than a philosophical journey. As Julian enlightens us with his story, I feel like I am still hearing the lawyer in him speak, rather than the Monk who sold his Ferrari.

After about 30 pages or so, the narrative takes a slow pace. It is quite preachy too in some places which makes the reading boring. You can relate this book to Swades, that SRK movie, remember? Although Swades was a good movie, with a brilliant concept, the script got monotonous after a point. It’s the same with this book too.

I know I am repeating myself here, but there is absolutely no doubt about the fact that the language of the book is absolutely of the highest standard in the new era of English writing. I am so much more impressed by the language in the book, rather than the book itself. :)

To be frank it was not my personal interest in the book that got me reading it. The book had been lying in our house since a long time and I had heard from few of my friends that it required quite a bit of will power to read it or rather complete it. ;)
But a few days back, one of my friends who had started reading was in full praise of the book, so much so that it awakened my curiosity and I rushed to my bookshelf to form my own opinion of the book.

So finally, to put it in gist, the book is a perfect text book for an MBA in philosophy of life. Though it is not effortless reading, all you need is a little bit of will power to continue the started journey and trust me; once you reach the destination you will feel nothing but satisfaction and content with the knowledge to improve your life. Just as Julian teaches you to overcome your weaker thoughts and monotonous life, you need execute the same to chew, eat, swallow and absorb this book.

The exercises and pearls of wisdom mentioned in the book are no doubt effective, viz if you sincerely put them into practice. You can find a million books at any book store that teach you the same pearls of wisdom maybe with different colors, but this book could be considered as that ‘foreign author’ text book we are all told to study to score well in the exams. (less)

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Mar 12, 2013 Mona M. Kayed rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

لطالما سمعتً عن هذا الكتاب ، لكن أملي خاب فيه بشدة لدى قراءته . أفكار الكتاب ضحلة للغاية و ممجوجة حقاً . هنا أودّ أن أطرح سؤالاً عذبني طيلة فترة القراءة : ما مشكلة الناس مع العبادة ؟! أعني حقاً لم يعانون من كل هذا الخواء الروحي المرعب ؟

أعلم أنني هنا لستُ بصدد بيان ميزات الدين الإسلامي ، فأنا جاهلة فيه قبل كل شيء ، لكنني لم أستطع أن أمنع نفسي حقاً من المقارنة .. فكرة الكتاب تدور حول نظام الأيام السبعة من أجل السيطرة على العقل و الروح للوصول إلى حالة الامتلاء النفسي ، النظام يدور بشكل أساسي حول ا...more
لطالما سمعتً عن هذا الكتاب ، لكن أملي خاب فيه بشدة لدى قراءته . أفكار الكتاب ضحلة للغاية و ممجوجة حقاً . هنا أودّ أن أطرح سؤالاً عذبني طيلة فترة القراءة : ما مشكلة الناس مع العبادة ؟! أعني حقاً لم يعانون من كل هذا الخواء الروحي المرعب ؟

أعلم أنني هنا لستُ بصدد بيان ميزات الدين الإسلامي ، فأنا جاهلة فيه قبل كل شيء ، لكنني لم أستطع أن أمنع نفسي حقاً من المقارنة .. فكرة الكتاب تدور حول نظام الأيام السبعة من أجل السيطرة على العقل و الروح للوصول إلى حالة الامتلاء النفسي ، النظام يدور بشكل أساسي حول التأمل (و هو ما يقابله التفكر في عقيدتنا) ، ثم إن هناك المانترا للمساعدة على تهدئة الروح ، و المانترا هي مجموعة من الكلمات التي يكررها المرء في نفسه لتساعده على الاندماج في منظومة الكون بالإضافة إلى إراحة عقله ، كأن يررد 100 مرة عبارة : أنا سعيد ، أنا سعيد ، أنا سعيد .. المانترا في هذا النظام يقابلها (الأذكار) في ديننا ، فنحن نردد عبارات الاستغفار و التوحيد مئة مرة يومياً و ربما أكثر مع فارق وحيد ، هو أننا لا نسعى للانتظام في الكون بقدر ما نسعى إلى نيل رضا خالق هذا الكون .. أيهما أفضل برأيك ؟

ثم إن هناك فكرة أساسية ألا و هي عدم التطرف ، من المفيد أن تنخرط في هذا النظام لكن بوسطية و دون أي تطرف (ألا تذكركم عبارة أمة وسطية بشيء؟) ، و بالرغم من عدم التطرف ، إلا أن النصيحة المسجاة من جوليان لصديقه بأن يبيع هاتفه النقال و يقفل المجيب الآلي الخاص به ليعيش بعيداً عن الإزعاجات .. لا أدري كيف باستطاعته التوفيق بين الفكرتين صراحة !

هناك نصيحة أخرى وردت في الكتاب ، و هي أن يعيش المرء بعقلية فراش الموت ، أي أن يعيش كل يوم و كأنه آخر يوم من عمره (تماماً كما نؤمن نحن : اعمل لدنياك كأنك تعيش أبداً ، و اعمل لآخرتك كأنك تموت غداً) .

الكتاب برأيي فارغ تماماً من المعنى ، فهو يركز على أهمية اندماج الإنسان في الكون و يقول بأننا عبارة عن أرواح صغيرة نندرج جميعاً تحت مظلة واحدة هي روح الكون ! بربكم هل هناك ما هو أسخف من هذا؟ و مع أنه (أي الكتاب) من المفترض به أن يكون مساعداً لنا لملئ فراغنا الروحي إلا أنه هو نفسه جاء فارغاً من المعنى و مملاً للغاية ، كما أنه يحتوي على العديد من العبارات المنمقة التي قد تخدعنا بصياغتها بالرغم من عدم صحتها ، و مثال ذلك حين قال جوليان (الشخصية الرئيسية في الكتاب) أن جميع الكتب لا تضيف لنا شيئاً جديداً نتعلمه ، بل هي تساعدنا في اكتشاف ذاتنا لأنها تستخرج ردات أفعالنا تجاه ما نقرأه . قد تبدو هذه العبارة براقة للوهلة الأولى لكنها خاطئة بالطبع ، و أي قارئ يعلم تماماً مدى خطأ هذه العبارة .

في النهاية , و لغايات التوثيق أذكر بأن هناك فقرتين فقط لفتتا نظري حقاً في الكتاب ، الفقرة الأولى جاءت على شكل تحذير : احذر من لصوص الوقت ، هم أولئك الناس الذين يتصلون بك بعد أن تضع أطفالك في سريرهم و تلقي بنفسك على مقعد وثير لتقرأ كتابك المفضل ، أعجبتني هذه الجملة للغاية .

الفقرة الثانية جاءت في نهايات الكتاب و هي قصة بيتر و الخيط الذهبي ، قصة رائعة مفادها أن يعيش المرء لحظات يومه دون أن يتعجل مستقبله و دون أن يحكم على نفسه بالعيش في الماضي ، أي أن تستمع بيومك كما هو .

على الهامش : بالرغم من أن الكتاب لم يعجبني على الإطلاق ، إلا أن الفقرتان السابقتان تثبتان خطأ الكاتب حين أخبرنا بأن الكتب لا تضيف شيئاً جديداً لنا ، و إلا لكان كتابه مجرد حوار فارغ من أول صفحة فيه و حتى نهايته ..! (less)

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Jan 23, 2013 jenna rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, spoofs

I categorized this book under spoofs because it made me laugh so much. I wanted to stop reading it because I found it ridiculous, but I wouldn't feel worthy of panning it here if I hadn't completed it and the joy of sharing my take on this book kept me turning pages and dog-earring quotable pages.

First, let me be clear, I like me some cheese; I like it with crackers and I like it with wine and I like it in my entertainment and personal growth. That this book is cheesier than a Velveeta factory w...more

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Jan 16, 2013 Abhilash Kulkarni rated it 5 of 5 stars

Some books are meant to be tasted, some are meant to chewed, some digested. While there are some rare books that not only meant to be digested but also made to be a part of the body and mind. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari is one such book.
The books moves at a good pace and the never becomes boring as peachy books tend to be. In fact, the way the teachings have been presented in a story format is the most important reason why this book has become so popular among the masses. It also lasts only 2...more Some books are meant to be tasted, some are meant to chewed, some digested. While there are some rare books that not only meant to be digested but also made to be a part of the body and mind. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari is one such book.
The books moves at a good pace and the never becomes boring as peachy books tend to be. In fact, the way the teachings have been presented in a story format is the most important reason why this book has become so popular among the masses. It also lasts only 200-odd pages hence can easily be completed on a long train or road journey. It took me three days to complete the book as I had other things to do, but at my normal pace I could have easily competed it in 4-5 hours. However this is not a book which is meant to be read quickly and forgotten, and is best read slowly. It takes some time to understand some of the teachings, and requires inflection as to how they can be applied in our own life. The teachings are simple and some of them are well-known. But the presentation of the ideas is what sets this book apart from other books.
All of the teachings can be remembered by the simple story of the sumo wrestler told in the book.
On a personal level, and this book has certainly caused a lot of change in my life. I am feeling in myself a new energy, something which I had lost for a few years.
Read thoroughly and applied diligently, this book has the potential to transform our lives. Although its not practically possible to apply each and everyone of the teachings (As I later found out), this book fully deserves the accolades it has been getting, and should be made a part of our system. I wouldn't have even started writing all these reviews if it hadn't been for this book, and as I usually only think about doing things but never actually do it. This book compelled me to live the life that I have always dreamed about. It has also made me see positive things in life
. It has taught me to be clear about what you want from life and direct your entire focus towards it, and not get affected by the trivialities that surround it. I am extremely grateful to Robin Sharma for penning such a wonderful book(less)

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Jan 11, 2013 Carelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Monk who sold his Ferrari (196 pages), by Robin S. Sharma, is an inspirational adult book to discover what life is really about and to capture all its essences. As the title suggests, it is the story of a successful lawyer leading a prestigious and hectic life but with a lot of stress and pressure. When he has a heart attack and hardly escapes death, he goes through a spiritual crisis making him ask the big questions of life. Hoping to find happiness, he sells all his possessions and travel...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Ru rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book feels like a patronizing practical joke. But the agony you feel reading it is very real. This is the printed equivalent of when the Hare Krishna community would stop you on the street or at the airport and tell you all about the Bhagavad Gita, and no matter how politely you declined to hear more, they wouldn't let you leave. This is not a long book by any means, but you'd never know it. Let me get to my problems with it, which seem numerous, but at the same time I don't even want to in...more This book feels like a patronizing practical joke. But the agony you feel reading it is very real. This is the printed equivalent of when the Hare Krishna community would stop you on the street or at the airport and tell you all about the Bhagavad Gita, and no matter how politely you declined to hear more, they wouldn't let you leave. This is not a long book by any means, but you'd never know it. Let me get to my problems with it, which seem numerous, but at the same time I don't even want to invest the time in writing a lengthy review of it, since it has robbed me of enough life essence already.

I mistakenly thought this would be a humorous, poignant read, involving the dichotomy of a monk and a Ferrari. That sounds like a fun book to read, and I wanted to start 2013 off on a joyful note. At no point does a monk sell a Ferrari in these pages; it's simply something that has occurred in the so-called monk's life. The monk is more of a man who is essentially "reborn" spiritually in India and passes along what he has learned to his former colleague and friend. That would be fine, but these teachings are incredibly dogmatic and come across as judgmental and preachy. Basically, every single lesson is to "stop doing every single thing you currently do, do the opposite, so long as it's what I do, repeat it X times a day/week, and you will live longer and better!" It's like snake oil in scripted form. Had this story simply been more suggestive than demanding, it would have been much better served.

The other perhaps more glaring problem is that this is a horribly-written story. It comes off like a bad Grade 8 essay, except that one can forgive a bad Grade 8 essay's author, because he's only in Grade 8. Robin Sharma doesn't have an excuse nearly close to that in any way, shape, or form. Every single scene seems so incredibly contrived and pandering, which leaves it being soulless and emotionless, which is ironic, because it's almost certainly trying for the exact opposite effect. Sharma should one day reveal a small child did indeed write this book for him for a few coppers, and I might give him an ounce of respect.

I could go on and on about the faults of some of the specifics of this fable, but I am sleepy. Let me say this: if you are at the end of your rope, and by that I mean suicidal, and looking for hope in the form of a book, then perhaps this is the book for you, but I would also suggest any number of "try this!" books would help. That's the only reason I rate this two stars over one, frankly. Make your own life choices, stand by them, and if they happen to coincide with the contents of this silly story, then great, and if they don't, then also great (or perhaps even greater).(less)

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Aug 14, 2012 VaultOfBooks rated it 4 of 5 stars

By Robin S Sharma. Grade: A
It’s been many years since I first heard of the book called ‘The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.’ The title always intrigued me. But somehow I fell into the impression that this was a book about better management practices. Don’t ask me how that happened. I have no idea.
Anyway, thinking that it was a book about management, I decided I had no need to read it. And anyway, it was definitely philosophy and preaching. And I, till a few years ago, had the policy to stay away from...more

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Jul 19, 2012 Kate rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: self-help

The monk who sold his Ferrari, is a misleading title. The man who sold his Ferrari and became a monk, would have been more accurate. The idea of a monk driving a Ferrari is somewhat thought provoking and made me smile. The book itself was a merger between fiction and instruction on techniques to perfect your life experience. From a fiction point of view, it too often told rather than showed. It’s an easy to read book (I read it in an afternoon) and the structure works well making it easy to reme...more

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Jul 06, 2012 Mike rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robert Sharma

Rating: 7/10

Short Summary: A lawyer-turned-monk returns to his old friend and describes the correct way to live life.

The story follows a character named John, a middle aged, married lawyer who is losing his passion for life. His idol and mentor, Julian Mantle, was an extremely successful attorney known for his wealth, women, power, and of course his Ferrari. While he has succeeded in expanding his material wealth, other areas of his life are severely...more

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Mar 04, 2012 David rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 50-book-challenge-2012

I find myself in two very distinct minds about this book. If it were a book I read early in my journey on self-development I would rave about it -- just as I rave about those that were. It wasn't though and that's where the polarity occurs. It felt very much like I was reading a 190 page synopsis of my bookshelf. The information on goals, visualisation, meditation, discipline, learning from mistakes, etc., was nothing new.

I always say that if I take away one thing from a book I'm happy. In this...more

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Jan 26, 2012 Prashanth rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: self-help

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Okay, there was lot of expecation getting into this. This story about nothing is supposedly illuminating, is undoubtedly popular, and has been translated into umpteen Indian languages. There are moments that I did enjoy, but overall it was not a satisfactory experience.

The author starts with a silly story about some Himalayan monks who enlighten a guy. Although we never know the real age of the 'guy', he returns looking like a 30 yr guy post enlightenment. The underlying representation of life's...more

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Oct 07, 2011 Neeraj Sachdeva rated it 5 of 5 stars

Detailed review available here

When I heard about this book, I was intrigued by the title 'The Monk who sold his Ferrari'. First thing that popped in my mind was how could a monk own a Ferrari? Its blasphemous, right? I was expecting some cool pitch, but had to contend for the fact that the protagonist became a monk after he sold his Ferrari! Tough luck!

The story, or fable as Mr Sharma puts it, is actually very beautiful. Just while turning the pages, you end up in a serene world, where deeper un...more

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Sep 01, 2011 Vamsi Kompella rated it 1 of 5 stars

I started reading "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" by Robin Sharma to escape three things. One, depression caused by sadness. Two, sadness caused by many things ( I don't want to list them coz it leads to an essay about my sadness). And finally, boredom which emptied my mind and made way for sadness. In the initial 25 or so pages, the novel seemed to have a story and it was not bad. Two characters were introduced, Julian and John. Soon, we realise that John is somewhat natural and has some sense...more I started reading "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" by Robin Sharma to escape three things. One, depression caused by sadness. Two, sadness caused by many things ( I don't want to list them coz it leads to an essay about my sadness). And finally, boredom which emptied my mind and made way for sadness. In the initial 25 or so pages, the novel seemed to have a story and it was not bad. Two characters were introduced, Julian and John. Soon, we realise that John is somewhat natural and has some sense of humour. He also tries some jokes in the middle. But after sometime, he stops it and i thought the book could really use some humour. Julian's the desperate one trying to impose his preaching In the next 35 pages, the book looked like some "self-help" or "art of living" shit in the disguise of a novel. The initial story, backdrop seemed mere excuses to dump that repititive superficial "positive" rubbish. I thought John was gonna apply the methods suggested by Julian and there would be the accurate depiction of what happens if people try it and how will they change and how the people react. Only that thought had driven me that long. But it seemed like there wasn't going to be anything like that.So, I stopped reading because it wasn't helping me come out of my depression and increased my boredom. When I came across page number 64 there was an analogy in it about a man lost in woods possessing a letter, some wood and a maginifying glass. He had to make fire to stay warm. Julian suggested the obvious method(though it came as a surprise to John) of using the sun rays. Then I thought, in reality, it would have been a night without having those "sunrays". I don't know if meditation, yoga and the methods suggested in the book work and I am not the one to judge too. But I think discipline and motivation to work hard are enough to change one's life and I am sure that we don't need The Sages of Sivana and their mystic and mysterious methods to do that. I am not saying this is a bad book because there maybe people who really get inspired by it. It is surely not for me because the methods suggested in the book(upto where i read) all need the basic determination and motivation to apply them. But determination is surely not the thing that a guy in depression gets that fast. I believe that everything in life happens on its own. Though we cannot admire and appreciate it, there is a natural beauty in all that. And when we have the power to control our heartbeat and fartsmell, that beauty doesn't last anymore.(less)

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Aug 15, 2011 PJ Swanwick rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: new-age, spiritual

Short on story and long on instruction, but an easy, rewarding read

In "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari," Robin S. Sharma clothes sound advice for spiritual and personal growth in a thin mantle of fiction that delivers much instruction but minimal entertainment. However, Sharma’s fictional approach makes for an easy read and good retention of his key principles.

Spiritual/metaphysical content: The narrator spends one revelation-filled night with Julian Mantle learning the fundamentals of spiritual g...more Short on story and long on instruction, but an easy, rewarding read

In "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari," Robin S. Sharma clothes sound advice for spiritual and personal growth in a thin mantle of fiction that delivers much instruction but minimal entertainment. However, Sharma’s fictional approach makes for an easy read and good retention of his key principles.

Spiritual/metaphysical content: The narrator spends one revelation-filled night with Julian Mantle learning the fundamentals of spiritual growth. Julian imparts everything he has learned from his time with the Sivana monks, cramming a lifetime of wisdom into their short time together. Sharma structures the lessons into seven chapters based on a short fable full of symbols. Each symbol represents a key idea from the Seven Basic Principles for Enlightened Living. Each chapter ends with an action page that summarizes the symbol, what you need to remember, and techniques to try, such as the Ten Rituals for Radiant Living.

My take: Sharma calls his book a “fable” in the subtitle, but it is both more and less than that. The fable part takes place in the opening chapters of the book, in which we discover that the hard-driven attorney has moved to India, become a monk, and after three years has returned to pass on his wisdom to his protégé. That’s the extent of the story, and character development fares little better. As a work of fiction, the book leaves much to be desired.

However, as a collection of easy-to-digest life strategies and pearls of wisdom, the book is quite satisfying. Sharma has organized the book around a short fable about a garden full of symbols (a fable within a fable), which makes it easy to understand and follow his 30-day plan to enlightened living. The give-and-take of dialog between Julian Mantle and his student rescues the story from the tedium of an instructional guide. If your primary goal as a reader is to quickly absorb the core of Sharma’s life improvement teaching, then this book is a great place to start.

For more reviews of new age novels, see Fiction For A New Age.(less)

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Mar 31, 2010 Muthazhagu Palanisamy rated it 2 of 5 stars

A lot irritated by the narration, but not the content.

May be it is my prejudice - I find the "fable" approach to self-help books tedious to read. The last one I read, that took a similar approach, was Gung Ho! by Ken Blanchard, and came off thinking that the whole book was silly. The Monk Who... came highly recommended, and hence I plunged in.

The book starts off on a promising note - hot-shot lawyer has a heart-attack in court, right after winning a big case. What happens next?

Here's what happe...more

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About Robin S. Sharma

Robin Sharma is one of the world’s premier thinkers on leadership, personal growth and life management. The bestselling author of
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari,
Who Will Cry When You Die? and
The Saint, the Surfer, and the CEO and four other books on self-transformation.

Robin Sharma is in constant demand internationally as keynote speaker at the conferences of many of the most powerful companies

...more

More about Robin S. Sharma...

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“Your "I CAN" is more important than your IQ.” — 157 people liked it

“I’ve learned that everything happens for a reason,” the yogi Krishnan told him. “Every event has a why and all adversity teaches us a lesson... Never regret your past. Accept it as the teacher that it is.” — 75 people liked it

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