The Invisible Mentor

Posts Tagged ‘Russell Conwell’

Russell Herman Conwell, a lawyer for about fifteen years until he became a clergyman, relates a story told to him by an Arab guide. The story intrigued Conwell so much, that he subsequently used the theme as a basis for his many speeches.

According to the story, as told by the guide, while Conwell was travelling down the Tigris and Euphrates rivers with a party of English travelers, there was a farmer, Ali Hafed, from ancient Persia now known as Iran. Ali Hafed was very wealthy. He owned a very large farm with orchards, grain-fields, and gardens. He was wealthy and contented.

One day, a Buddhist priest visited Ali Hafed. During the conversation, this wise priest from the East told Hafed about diamonds. The priest told Ali Hafed that if “he had one diamond the size of his thumb, he could purchase the county, and if he had a mine of diamonds he could place his children upon thrones through the influence of their great wealth.” Ali Hafed heard all about diamonds, and how much they were worth. Though Hafed’s situation hadn’t changed, he went to his bed that night feeling poor and discontented because of envy and greed.

Ali Hafed decided that he wanted a diamond mine, and the next day he rushed to see the priest and asked where he could find diamonds. He explained to the priest that he wanted to be immensely rich. Hafed sold his farm, collected the money, left his neighbour to take care of  his family, and went off in search of diamonds.

Hafed wandered around Palestine and Europe until he ran out of money. He was in rags, feeling wretched and now truly poor. He stood on the shore of a bay in Barcelona, Spain and when a great tidal wave came rolling in, he threw himself in, and was never seen again.

Meanwhile back at the farm, one day the new owner picked up an unusual rock about the size of an egg and placed it on his mantle. A few days later, the same old priest visited the farm and immediately realized that the unusual rock was indeed a diamond. The priest and the new owner rushed outside to the place where the owner found the unusual rock. That day, they discovered the diamond mines of Golconda.

Ali Hafed had been standing on his own “Acres of Diamonds” until he sold his farm.

In Acres of Diamonds, Conwell relates countless stories of people who went in search of what they already had. For example, a farmer in Pennsylvania sold his farm for $833 and went to work for his cousin in Canada, collecting oil. Shortly after, the man who purchased the farm found oil worth millions of dollars.

Common Sense Ideas

1. Each of us is right in the middle of our own Acres of Diamonds, if only we would realize it and develop the ground we are standing on before charging off in search of greener pastures
2. Opportunity does not just come along – it is there all the time – we just have to see it
3. In life, when we go searching for “something,” we should know what that “something” looks, smells and tastes like so that we can recognize it when we find it
4. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side
5. Before we give up what we already have, make sure that what we’re getting is better than what we already have
6. Your family comes first, they are part of your support structure and will help you through the most difficult times

Whenever I read Acres of Diamonds, for some reason I am reminded of the biblical Parable of the Prodigal Son. The Prodigal Son was much wiser because he at least had the common sense to return home and beg forgiveness.Your diamonds are not in far-away mountains or in distant seas; they are usually in your own back yard if you will take the time to look for them.”

What are your feelings toward Ali Hafed? Do you sympathize with him? How might you apply this story to business? We always think that the grass is greener on the other side, but it is seldom that case. In what instances could the grass be greener on the other side? I have thinking about this question for some time, but in the context of problem solving, so look out for a post that deals with that.

Let’s keep the conversation fluid, please leave a comment. I am ready to grow this blog, if you find The Invisible Mentor Blog useful and educational, please encourage your contacts to subscribe.

Click on the links below for electronic complimentary copies of Acres of Diamonds by Russell Conwell. I recommend Acres of Diamonds because of its timeless moral.

http://emotional-literacy-education.com/classic-books-online-c/acrdi10.htm

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/rconwellacresofdiamonds.htm

Photo Credit: Flickr “Dreaming of Diamonds” via Apture

Review of Geronimo Stilton Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye, Edizioni Piemme

I was in Indigo Bookstore looking at the books on the discount table when I  noticed  Geronimo Stilton Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye for $4.99 and decided to buy a copy to read and review here. Every now and again I like to read a children’s book to see the world through the eyes of a child. When was the last time you read a children’s book?

I ventured into the land of make believe and had a few chuckles and real laughter in the process. The person who said that laughter is good for the soul was on target. When was the last time you had a good laugh?

The characters in Geronimo Stilton Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye are mice, and the book is filled with “all things mice” a lot of mouse imagery: cheddar-flavored toothpaste, New Mouse City, The Rodent’s Gazette, the address Seventeen Swiss Cheese Centre, The Mouse House restaurant, the gym Rats La Lanne, Wild Whiskers concert,  the magician Harry Ratini. I was delighted with the play on words, and most of us would recognize where the names came from. For example, Rat and the Beanstalk, Rodent Rules for Dummies, Mouse Jordan sneakers, Christopher Columouse, Supermouse Bowl, and Mouse Everest are a few references that many would be able to relate to.

The book focuses on Geronimo Stilton, the editor of the Rodent’s Gazette, Geronimo’s sister Thea, a  special correspondent at the Rodent’s Gazette, their cousin Trap Stilton, owner of the store Cheap Junk for Less, and Geronimo’s favourite nephew, nine year old Benjamin Stilton. Thea Stilton finds a treasure map where an X is marked at Emerald Eye. She convinces Geronimo to go with her on this treasure hunt. Geronimo, Thea and Trap embark on their treasure hunt sailing Lady Luck, and later on the journey find Benjamin who has stowed away on the ship. The story is about their preparation,  journey and the obstacles they encounter on the way.

The author  Edizioni Piemme brings the story to life with his choice of words, “We turned the corner and there it was… a wonderful, beautiful waterfall! It rushed down from the top of a cliff into a lake of crystal-clear water. On the other side of the waterfall stood a tree so tall even the clouds had to step aside to make room for it. Its enormous roots  clung to the rocks like a cat with a tuna sandwich” Isn’t that great imagery? Can you see the scene in your mind’s eye?

Here are five great ideas that came to mind while I read this book. I also thought of Russell Conwell‘s essay Acres of Diamonds. You can download a copy of this essay from the Resources page of this blog.

5 Great Ideas

1. Theory is good, but practice is better
2. When communicating, use plain language for clarity
3. Don’t just take someone’s word for it, investigate or ask for proof
4. Keep your head, be calm in times of crises
5. When you go in search of “something,” make sure that you know the characteristics of that “something”

This is a small book, large print, 166 pages that you can read in a few hours. It will take you out of your current head space into the land of make believe. Reflect on the adventure and the lessons relevant to your life. What are your five great ideas after reading the book. And, while reading Geronimo Stilton Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye, what comes to your mind? I recommend this book.

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• Acres of Diamonds by Russell Conwell (kevineikenberry.com)