Book Review: 'The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari' by Robin S Sharma

This book is subtitled a ‘fable’ and is based on the fictional  life of Julian Mantle, an ‘enormously successful ‘ criminal lawyer, who was obsessed with his hunger for ‘more prestige, more glory and more money’.  At fifty-three years of age, his achievements included ‘a stellar professional reputation with an income in seven figures, a spectacular mansion….., a private jet, a summer home in a tropical island, and his prized possession—a shiny red Ferrari…’.   But success had its own side effects. ‘Eventually his marriage failed, he no longer spoke with his father…… he still had not found whatever it was that he was looking for. It showed emotionally, physically --- and spiritually. ‘

One day he collapses in the court room.  His health had failed him.  Julian survives to confront his life and its spiritual crisis, the need for balance between life and work.  The book then goes on to a mysterious visitor and the transformation of Julian Mantle, his ‘magical meeting’ with the Sages of Sivana, his becoming a spiritual student of the sages and learning the wisdom of personal change.   The Sages of Sivana tell him the fable of the extraordinary garden,  and the seven virtues to kindling the inner fire, about the ancient art of self-leadership and the power of discipline.  In Chapter 11, it deals with time, the most precious commodity ,  and goes on to the ultimate purpose of life, and  the timeless secret of lifelong happiness. In 13 Chapters and 200 pages, it takes you through a journey to wisdom that could help one to fulfill one’s dreams and reach one’s ultimate destiny.

It is a story about a successful man, who becomes a monk and then sells his most prized possession,  his Ferrari car.  It certainly gives every one a ‘wake-up call’ to spirituality and wisdom, just as it did to Julian Mantle.  It is an inspiring tale giving the reader ‘the wisdom to create a life of passion, purpose, and peace’ ---to live life ‘with greater courage, balance, abundance and joy’. 

The book gives a step-by-step approach to a balanced and fulfilling life through a simple philosophy of life.

·         Developing joyful thoughts

·         Following life’s mission and calling

·         Cultivating self-discipline

·         Acting courageously

·         Valuing time, the most important commodity

·         Nourishing relationships

·         Living life fully, one day at a time.

Robin S. Sharma,  LLM, is an attorney and speaker. He has authored a number of books that focus on leadership and life improvement.  This book was originally published in 1997 by Harper Collins. More information on Robin Sharma is available at  www. robinsharma.com. 

The book is bound to bless one’s life and can be life-changing. It embodies the timeless principles of radiant living, the seven virtues of Sivana, made memorable through the symbols of the garden, the lighthouse, the sumo wrestler, the pink wire cable, the stopwatch, the roses and the winding path of diamonds.  The message ‘never overlook the power of simplicity’ haunts me. The principles embodied in this book can raise one to the highest levels  in life- to a life of enlightenment—through discipline. It does not make one look outside and dream, but to look inside, into oneself and to get awakened to the ‘secrets of the ages,  for enriching the mind, cultivating the body and nourishing the soul.’  Wake Up.

Here is a presentation by the author on his book and its message in more detail:

http://www.bombaybookclub.com/download/Monk%20Who%20Sold%20His%20Ferrari.pdf