Scroll Practice

Author: Og Mandino (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: Throughout my long career in writing and public speaking, I have unwaveringly adhered to the belief that although human society is constantly evolving, the secrets of success remain as timeless as the laws of nature. No matter how strong our willpower is or how tirelessly we explore the mysteries of life, these secrets will always accompany us, shaping our judgments on life and our understanding of the world. However, the era we live in is one of rapid development, and everyone hopes to find a more efficient way of life. For example, quick social positioning, convenient dining services, and simple shortcuts to success, and so on. Philosophers have always tried to transform people's hard work into abundant rewards through unrealistic theories. This futile explanation has long obscured our vision of understanding the world and interfered with our ability to solve problems. In the end, our capacity for independent thinking has been subtly weakened. As for the timeless laws of nature, which exist unchanged in our daily lives, we have gradually lost the ability to discover, recognize, and utilize them. For modern people, they have become something "mysterious and strange"—how tragic a chapter in the history of human development! Therefore, in my new book, even if it cannot immediately benefit my readers, I must include these ancient laws that modern people have forgotten. My outstanding publisher, Youth Series Publishing Company, and I agree that the content of this book must not be a mere patchwork of so-called "secrets of success." Thus, I must put in several times the effort to fundamentally revise and perfect my speech drafts to achieve this goal. However, what have I done meaningfully in the past few weeks? Nothing but restless anxiety over the slow progress of the manuscript. For most writers, starting to write without a determined title is not a problem. They can write with the same enthusiasm and without any obstacles or difficulties until the entire manuscript is completed. They and their publishers are bravely facing the challenges of completing the manuscript and working diligently and actively. But I cannot do as they do—I must first determine a title—a title that will unify the main theme of the entire book and guide my creative thinking from beginning to end. This title plays a crucial role not only before I begin writing but also throughout the writing process. In 1967, before I started writing The Greatest Salesman in the World, I had already determined the titles for all 13 books in my series. From that time on, my writing progress became remarkably smooth. To date, the entire series has been translated into 18 languages worldwide, with total sales exceeding 2 million copies, achieving remarkable success. Therefore, I will continue this writing habit that has benefited me greatly. Although I have faced many hardships and unexpected challenges, I believe that God—our dear God—will be gracious to me and ultimately help me overcome all the difficulties and hardships in life. At Mr. Donn Jones's Studele Barber Shop, where my friend Donn Jones owns, I told him that after quitting the golf team, I planned to write a new book based on the minutes of my regular meeting speeches. At that time, I noticed a customer nearby listening to our conversation with great interest. When Jones was giving me a manicure, the customer who had been listening to our talk was about to pay and leave, but he stopped at the door, turned around, and came to my side, saying very seriously, "Mr. Mandino, you have created so many great works—you are truly a great writer. Although I am just an ordinary dentist, I feel responsible for people in all professions who suffer from dental problems. Many people may not realize that the suicide rate among Americans with dental problems is the highest. Therefore, I not only treat their diseases but also help adjust their mental states. It was because of your book that I successfully guided many patients toward a better life, 'giving them a rebirth of their souls.'"