What do you think?
Rate this book
The Greatest Success in the World
Through the deeply inspirational story of one extraordinary man who lived in the time of Christ —you, too, can learn to shed failure, overcome frustration and heartbreak to achieve a rich, satisfying life of peace and guidance, you can play the game of life fearlessly — and win. Accept his precious gift of wisdom and know the true rewards of limitless personal success
First published January 1, 1981
31 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
About the author
Og Mandino
94 books907 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 21, 2015
Muy buen libro, con muy buenos consejos para poner en práctica en la vida diaria.
August 11, 2021
I know I read this book about a decade ago but couldn't really remember what it was about, so I decided to pick it up again yesterday.
And what a life-changer it was. It was exactly what I needed.
It's such a short story but the insights I got were profound and plenty. Very inspiring!
In this book, we follow our main character Zaccheus, the one in the Bible known to have climbed the sycamore tree to see Christ. I love how the author used a biblical character and setting to incorporate timeless principles and words of wisdom that could really shape our lives for the better. It was not preachy at all, and though the rest of the story was fictionalized, I felt like I was a much better person after reading it.
Now I feel like I want to binge read Og Mandino's books. ❤️
And what a life-changer it was. It was exactly what I needed.
It's such a short story but the insights I got were profound and plenty. Very inspiring!
In this book, we follow our main character Zaccheus, the one in the Bible known to have climbed the sycamore tree to see Christ. I love how the author used a biblical character and setting to incorporate timeless principles and words of wisdom that could really shape our lives for the better. It was not preachy at all, and though the rest of the story was fictionalized, I felt like I was a much better person after reading it.
Now I feel like I want to binge read Og Mandino's books. ❤️
June 2, 2012
I first met Og Mandino (literary-ly) during my high school days when one of my friends brought his book, "The Greatest Salesman in the World". When I read that, I found it very interesting and, as far as I remember, was even part of one of my school reports.
Fast forward to 2011, my colleague gave me as a 2010 Christmas gift this book. A very short read, The Greatest Success in the World touches the same kind of format and theme that the Salesman did (successfully).
Am not sure if I already passed this kind of "genre" or "theme", but I just found the book okay. It was an easy read and definitely the central focus of the book was correct, but I didn't give me the similar interest and inspiration as that of other Mandino's book.
Verdict: Will not really recommend it. Though, it is a short read and you can always find time (without wasting it) for this.
PS: I still believe the Og Mandino's best work (besides TGSITW) is The Choice. I like the premise of The Christ Commission but I haven't finished it yet.
Fast forward to 2011, my colleague gave me as a 2010 Christmas gift this book. A very short read, The Greatest Success in the World touches the same kind of format and theme that the Salesman did (successfully).
Am not sure if I already passed this kind of "genre" or "theme", but I just found the book okay. It was an easy read and definitely the central focus of the book was correct, but I didn't give me the similar interest and inspiration as that of other Mandino's book.
Verdict: Will not really recommend it. Though, it is a short read and you can always find time (without wasting it) for this.
PS: I still believe the Og Mandino's best work (besides TGSITW) is The Choice. I like the premise of The Christ Commission but I haven't finished it yet.
November 28, 2025
Og Mandino's The Greatest Success in the World takes readers on a journey through ancient Jericho, following the remarkable life of Zacchaeus—a man born with physical challenges who transforms himself into the wealthiest figure in his city. Set during the time of Christ, the story shows how one person can overcome failure and frustration to build a life of true peace and fulfillment
The writing carries Mandino's signature warmth and clarity, making this a book you can easily complete in one sitting. Yet despite its brevity, the narrative delivers principles with surprising depth. Zacchaeus, mocked for his misshapen body and with no formal education, rises from farm laborer to become Jericho's most successful businessman —not through luck or shortcuts, but through character, perseverance, and wisdom.
What makes this story compelling is how Mandino weaves timeless success principles into a biblical-era parable. The lessons feel organic rather than preachy, emerging naturally from Zacchaeus's journey. His success isn't measured solely in wealth but in how he builds his life with integrity, compassion, and purpose. The narrative structure—told through the eyes of Zacchaeus's friend Joseph—adds an intimate, reflective quality that draws you deeper into the message.
Mandino's storytelling remains as masterful here as in his other works. The book radiates encouragement without ever feeling heavy-handed, making the wisdom both accessible and actionable. For readers familiar with The Greatest Salesman in the World, this offers a similar framework but with its own distinct voice and setting.
The Greatest Success in the World is more than an inspirational quick read—it's a reminder that the foundations of true success are built on character, faith, and how we treat others along the way. If you're looking for a short, powerful book that strengthens your mindset and offers genuine wisdom,
The writing carries Mandino's signature warmth and clarity, making this a book you can easily complete in one sitting. Yet despite its brevity, the narrative delivers principles with surprising depth. Zacchaeus, mocked for his misshapen body and with no formal education, rises from farm laborer to become Jericho's most successful businessman —not through luck or shortcuts, but through character, perseverance, and wisdom.
What makes this story compelling is how Mandino weaves timeless success principles into a biblical-era parable. The lessons feel organic rather than preachy, emerging naturally from Zacchaeus's journey. His success isn't measured solely in wealth but in how he builds his life with integrity, compassion, and purpose. The narrative structure—told through the eyes of Zacchaeus's friend Joseph—adds an intimate, reflective quality that draws you deeper into the message.
Mandino's storytelling remains as masterful here as in his other works. The book radiates encouragement without ever feeling heavy-handed, making the wisdom both accessible and actionable. For readers familiar with The Greatest Salesman in the World, this offers a similar framework but with its own distinct voice and setting.
The Greatest Success in the World is more than an inspirational quick read—it's a reminder that the foundations of true success are built on character, faith, and how we treat others along the way. If you're looking for a short, powerful book that strengthens your mindset and offers genuine wisdom,
November 17, 2025
Qadimgi Rim imperiyasida bir yahudiy bola qattiq mehnat va sabr bilan ulkan boylikka erishadi va o'z sirlari bilan bo'lishadi. To'g'risi kitob boshqa shaxsiy rivojlanish kitoblaridan boshqacha tuyildi. Keyin bilsam muallif dindor nasroniy ekan. Kitob ham Bibliya asosida yozilgan. Undagi qahramon Zakhey(Zacchaeus) ham kitobda eslab o'tilgan.
Endi sirlarga kelsak, youtube dagi random motivation video ko'proq ta'sir o'tkaza oladi. Hikoya usulida bunday narsalarni tushuntirish ancha eskirgan, Naval ni kitobi yaxshiroq edi. Yoki nasroniy bo'lmaganim uchun unchalik ta'sir qilmagan.
Tavsiya qilmayman. Qisqa kitob, tez o'qib tugatsa bo'ladi, lekin baribir ketkizgan vaqtimga achindim.
Endi sirlarga kelsak, youtube dagi random motivation video ko'proq ta'sir o'tkaza oladi. Hikoya usulida bunday narsalarni tushuntirish ancha eskirgan, Naval ni kitobi yaxshiroq edi. Yoki nasroniy bo'lmaganim uchun unchalik ta'sir qilmagan.
Tavsiya qilmayman. Qisqa kitob, tez o'qib tugatsa bo'ladi, lekin baribir ketkizgan vaqtimga achindim.
March 2, 2018
Started the book 31st of December 2017 and had a hard time sitting still through it. My personal copy has been drenched, bent, sat upon but it is still good.
Mandino was able to put into words basic life principles beautifully - - - so beautiful that it should be shared. How I hope more people would read it.
I never knew Zacchaeus can be so relate-able and so inspiring.
Mandino was able to put into words basic life principles beautifully - - - so beautiful that it should be shared. How I hope more people would read it.
I never knew Zacchaeus can be so relate-able and so inspiring.
May 29, 2020
This is a book I need to read and reread. I love how Og is so masterful at weaving his scrolls and rules into a story that demonstrates the truth with heart. The “mention” of the Greatest Salesman in this book makes it feel like a unified continuation of the truth Og shared in Salesman 1 & 2. I am a huge Og Mandino fan.
June 16, 2020
Conectas con la historia desde un principio y con los personas, imaginas la realidad y las adversidades que viven, al igual, que el éxito arrasador que viven. Los 10 mandamientos se pueden aplicar perfectamente a cualquier época y situación que te hacen tomar una retrospectiva de ti mismo y lo que estás haciendo. Un final inesperado.
May 15, 2023
La historia está ambientada en los tiempos de Poncio Pilatos y la historia sucede también cuando Jesucristo es crucificado al inicio me costó comprender el hilo de la historia pero después todo hace sentido. En general es una buena lectura es un libro corto qué puede ser de ayuda en momentos difíciles.
December 31, 2022
Right on Time Read
Of Mandino is my favorite author for a reason. His use of Christian beliefs and narratives are woven into principles of success. It is for this cause I will keep all of his writings at the top of my must read list.
Of Mandino is my favorite author for a reason. His use of Christian beliefs and narratives are woven into principles of success. It is for this cause I will keep all of his writings at the top of my must read list.
August 27, 2017
Touching, getting u back in history and creating Images that Last, its simple truths Matter though they can be found in other books too.
July 10, 2019
This book is deeply inspirational and resulted in a serious spiritual awakening for me.
August 23, 2019
Le guto a mi mamá.^^
September 25, 2019
excellent book on success and very well written for a story.. much like the greatest salesman in the world
Read
January 30, 2020Fantastic motivational book, should be read by anyone wanting to excel in life
April 8, 2021
Excellent quick read
October 12, 2024
8th&9th commandment my favourites :)
July 21, 2025
Og Mandino is my favourite inspirational writer of all time, and this is one of his best books.
August 6, 2025
A very well written book that can be read in a very short time!
January 4, 2021
Og Mandino never disappoints
“The Greatest Success” is full of deep and meaningful reflections about Life, love, happiness. It’s a great short story for anyone to read and often and especially as an excellent “compass” reset for someone who is needing guidance in their life’s direction and/or chasing the dream of mere wealth.
Prescription: Read it at least once every 3 or 4 years. More as needed.
Reader and rater: Mary Hunt Johnson/Nashville
“The Greatest Success” is full of deep and meaningful reflections about Life, love, happiness. It’s a great short story for anyone to read and often and especially as an excellent “compass” reset for someone who is needing guidance in their life’s direction and/or chasing the dream of mere wealth.
Prescription: Read it at least once every 3 or 4 years. More as needed.
Reader and rater: Mary Hunt Johnson/Nashville
January 14, 2023
Share half your wealth 🫵🏻
October 15, 2014
"Todo el mundo debe ser rico, aunque solo sea por un día, para que cada uno pueda comprender que el ser rico no es la condición ideal que la mayoría cree que es"
"Que triste es el hombre que se vuelve esclavo de sus ocupaciones o de su carrera, que olvide que fue creado para gozar de este hermoso mundo y pronto quede ciego a los milagros de la naturaleza que tienen lugar ante sus propios ojos todos los días"
"Haz tu mejor esfuerzo en las cosas que mejor haces y sabrás, en tu alma, que eres el exito mas grande del mundo".
"Tu no puedes escoger tu vocación. Tu vocación te escoge a ti. Has sido bendecido con capacidades especiales que son solo tuyas. Úsalas,sean cuales fueren y no trates de ponerte el sombrero de ningún otro."
"Ser lo que eres y convertirte en que eres capaz de llegar a ser, es el secreto de una vida feliz."
Algunas de las frases de este maravilloso libro!
"Que triste es el hombre que se vuelve esclavo de sus ocupaciones o de su carrera, que olvide que fue creado para gozar de este hermoso mundo y pronto quede ciego a los milagros de la naturaleza que tienen lugar ante sus propios ojos todos los días"
"Haz tu mejor esfuerzo en las cosas que mejor haces y sabrás, en tu alma, que eres el exito mas grande del mundo".
"Tu no puedes escoger tu vocación. Tu vocación te escoge a ti. Has sido bendecido con capacidades especiales que son solo tuyas. Úsalas,sean cuales fueren y no trates de ponerte el sombrero de ningún otro."
"Ser lo que eres y convertirte en que eres capaz de llegar a ser, es el secreto de una vida feliz."
Algunas de las frases de este maravilloso libro!
February 28, 2012
A quick read, I did enjoy this book much. I didn't necessarily enjoy it for the self-help information, but it did present some interesting cultural aspects that I had never considered before. The story itself seems to take a little longer than necessary to get to the self-help information, however that wasn't the part of the story that I found most interesting.
The story centers around Zacheaus who is mentioned in the book of Luke in the bible. The bible only has about 10 verses about him, but the story uses him as the main character. Through his story, it presents several culteral apsects of the time that I had never considered and made me think a little differently about some of the bible stories I'm familiar with.
The story centers around Zacheaus who is mentioned in the book of Luke in the bible. The bible only has about 10 verses about him, but the story uses him as the main character. Through his story, it presents several culteral apsects of the time that I had never considered and made me think a little differently about some of the bible stories I'm familiar with.
May 17, 2011
I am a huge fan of Mandino's "Greatest Salesman in the World". It's one of three non-scripture books that I read on a yearly basis.
I decided that I should try to read some of his other books, and as luck would have it, this one was sitting out on the shelf at the library, like it was ready for me to take.
It is a quick read and a decent story, but I felt that Og tried too hard to copy the magic that happened in GSMITW and it just didn't work for me. It wasn't bad, by any standards, it just wasn't great.
This won't, however, stop me from reading his other novels.
I decided that I should try to read some of his other books, and as luck would have it, this one was sitting out on the shelf at the library, like it was ready for me to take.
It is a quick read and a decent story, but I felt that Og tried too hard to copy the magic that happened in GSMITW and it just didn't work for me. It wasn't bad, by any standards, it just wasn't great.
This won't, however, stop me from reading his other novels.
May 30, 2016
This is a good book about a man named Zacchaeus from the point of view of his friend, a man named Joseph. The story follows them on their journey through life. Zacchaeus is a very kind man and in the story he builds up his business to become wealthy and the book teaches about how his kindness was able to lead him to a happy life instead of his wealth. It's a good read that teaches how to have the most successful life possible.
April 25, 2014
Og Mandino is truly a great spiritual teacher! Zacchaeus is indeed one of the most inspiring characters in the Bible and the way Og Mandino retell his story in this book makes me want to believe that everything happened exactly as Joseph narrated. The 10 Commandments of Success is as powerful as the Ten Commandments itself.
September 16, 2012
Even though I have read only the ten commandments of success part in our school library, I was captured by this book. This would profoundly inspire and motivate you to reach success the right way. I learned to be more patient because only with patience would perseverance follow.
Read
October 22, 2007Mandino, Og PB
July 24, 2009
Also cheesy.
March 28, 2010
Superb!!! I just love ALL his books! Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews