Ode to Og Mandino

Subject: Inspiration, Motivational, Greatest Miracle in the World

by Victor Antonio G. 

I had a chance to meet Og Mandino in Minneapolis when I went to hear him speak.  The only word to describe this man’s work and legacy, which is known throughout the world, is with a simple “Wow”. 

Few people in life have impressed me and at the same time have impressed upon me a philosophy of kindness like Og Mandino.   In his book, The Greatest Miracle in the World by Og Mandino you meet a character by the name of Simon.  In one of the corners of his meager apartment, Simon has a stack of books where as you ascend the stack you get closer to his greatest treasure; the book on top being his favorite.

The story of Simon is full of inspiration and a lesson on optimism.  You see, Simon is a ‘ragpicker’.   A ragpicker is often used to describe a indigent person who would go through the garbage collecting ‘rags’ and reselling them for money. 

But in Simon’s case, his form of ragpicking is a little different.  Instead of actual rags that have been discarded by humans, he searches for ‘human rags' that have been discarded by society or by themselves when they’ve giving up hope. 

Simon’s purpose in life is to pick these individuals off the heap of human despair and help them see and appreciate the great opportunities that await them.  He helps them discover their true potential in life.

As a motivational speaker, I’m often asked why I do what I do.  I do it for the same reason Simon does what he does; to help others who have given up on themselves.  I want those who’ve discard themselves to believe in the possibility of success and happiness. 

I don’t know if it’s possible to have an all time favorite book given the abundance of works in the public domain.  But if I had to stack my books in my office corner, The Greatest Miracle in the World would be at the top. 

Og Mandino has a wide breadth of works which include: The Greatest Salesman in the World, and another great book called, “The Christ Commission”.    If you want to be inspired, enlightened and have the flame of human dignity and optimism re-ignited, pick up a copy of Og’s work.; you won’t be disappointed.

Please share this article with a friend who may need a word of inspiration.

Copyright © 2003 by Victor Antonio G.   All rights reserved.  This article MAY be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, as long as the author’s name, website and email address are included as part of the article’s body.  All inquiries, including information on electronic licensing, should be directed to Victor Antonio G..