The book was first referred to me by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. But, it was Daya who gave a strong recommendation that I should read this book and he referred his review on the topic. I checked the review and was impressed.
When I was reading his review, one book which is filled with knowledge and ways to improve my life was waiting in a dark godown of a printing press in USA. Books which are going to enlighten different people were squeezing my book all the way. The book was shouting at them. "I will be read by a person called Paul, sitting in Dubai. Don’t damage me by pushing so hard. He will also write a review in mouthshut." Other books were tolerant on my book in early days. Later they started laughing at my book. ’Hai young man, you are shouting this from the year 1996, now the year is 2007!’ Many books were taken out every day, but the book in my hand was so optimistic. He shouted back. "I can live for 50 years. Now it is only 11 years. I am not even to my teens." Others started laugh again. ’You will get a girl friend soon…Paul is not going to buy this book.’
I checked with 2 or 3 bookstalls, but the title was not available. Daya told me that it is available in India. But I continued my search here as I don’t want to wait on something promising. One day I stepped into Margudy’s in Burjuman and they confirmed it is not with them, but can get one copy for me, if I order. I don’t have to wait for another minute.
In USA, the book was still struggling and fighting with its fellow books. One book asked my book, "What will prompt Paul to buy you? I know that guy and he have read many inspirational books. In later days he used to pass comments like ’it is not up to standard’ or ’Oh! I have read it in other books’ or something similar. So, why he should buy you? Even if he buy you, get ready for a critical lambasting. I heard that he criticized the book Who Moved My Cheese even" My book went into a silent thought but sooner reverted "You are going to be read by a future Prime Minister. Right? The book next to me is going to be read and stored by a fortune 500 company CEO. The stories about us are spreading in business community and leaders faster. Everybody wants to be leaders and we have the potential to make them. Success in personal life and professional life is very much in demand for one want to live life in full. For those who are satisfied in themselves and want to live happily thereafter, we may not be of much use. But, didn’t you read the sticker on our forehead? LESSONS TO LEAD AND SUCCEED IN A KNOWLEDGE-BASED WORLD? Paul will buy this book. I am sure".
One lady book Looked on mirror and checked, "am I looking fat"? My book replied. " You are only 252 lbs! Everybody in the store laughed to this. "But don’t worry. You are a beauty with intelligence and practical sense. They don’t mind those 252 lbs. You are taller enough for your meat". Laughs again. "Did I look simple? I don’t like the hard fittings." One book complained. One old book responded. "The author has written us in perfect English and in good style. Once they started reading the book they will realize that greatness is explained in simplest possible language and there are beautiful stories with perfect explanations to support. Examples from the author after visiting CEOs of many Fortune 500 companies are the highlights. So, don’t worry about the style. It is professional, simple & brilliant."
The news reached the store that I have ordered the book. My book was all excited and he was busy saying good bye to all in the store. Everybody congratulated him and he said thanks to all. One of his friends came to him and asked for a last minute help in the form of a brief description about the book to present to a prosperous client. I heard my book’s voice....
"First of all, the book stress on the importance of CHANGE. Preparing people to cope with the Change is one of our prime duties in America. Once the idea is established, the book straight away asks the readers to take responsibility for their lives. Be the CEO of their life! Work as a boss, not as an employee. Benchmark their activities with top people and companies. The book asks for perfection, when it comes to self integrity. There is no partial integrity. Acres of Diamonds are within. Imagine what we want out of life as clear as possible. Once the image is clear, try to implement with proper action. You are moving in an information superhighway. Learn the latest technology to go in pace with the change. Surely the people will be blocked by their habits. We have the techniques to create winning habits in place of bad habits. We will teach them how to resilence in the face of failure and be patient and persistent. Moreover, we give a good picture of love. Finally, the book draws a clear image of a road best traveled to success, leadership, business management, Career development and Continued Education."
The book gets into the travel cover and lodged into the flight. In time and space the book was flying in the joy of reaching me. My mobile rang with a message that my friend is arrived. I rush to the Air stall. He was so happy, so was me. We exchanged some warm hugs. When I walk back to my office we were walking hand in hand.
That is how I landed up with the book. Now, he is looking at me and says, there are good boys and girls stored in their old godown and whoever collect a book may please inform me, so that they can renew their friendship!
What? Oh! Yes, a quote my friend wants to share with you. "Look into the mirror with me and reflect upon the vast potential within. Challenge your time-worn prejudices and assumptions as I do. Understand that the empires of the future will not be built of concrete, with walls of stone, turrets, armies, and gates. The empires of the future will be empires of the mind."!!!
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This review is dedicated to Daya for his enlightening reviews, comments and recommendations!!!