Return to Books

    The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

    A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams and Reaching Your Destiny

    By Robin Sharma

    Published 01/1996



    About the Author

    Robin Sharma is a globally recognized author, leadership expert, and motivational speaker. With a background in law, Sharma left his legal career to pursue a path that would lead him to inspire millions through his teachings on self-mastery, leadership, and personal development. His most famous work, "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari," is a testament to his philosophy of leading a life of simplicity, purpose, and deep personal fulfillment. Sharma’s writing is known for its straightforward yet profound approach, blending ancient wisdom with modern-day practices that resonate with readers from all walks of life.

    In addition to writing, Sharma has also become a prominent figure in the field of leadership training, offering seminars and coaching sessions to help individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. His teachings emphasize the importance of living a life of purpose, cultivating inner peace, and constantly striving for self-improvement. With over a dozen books to his name, including bestsellers like "The Leader Who Had No Title" and "The 5 AM Club," Sharma continues to inspire readers to lead lives of greatness.

    Main Idea

    "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" is a transformative tale that explores the journey from material success to spiritual fulfillment. The book is presented as a parable, where Julian Mantle, a successful but deeply unhappy lawyer, undergoes a profound transformation after a near-fatal heart attack. He leaves behind his luxurious lifestyle, symbolized by his red Ferrari, and embarks on a journey to India, where he discovers the secrets to living a life of purpose, peace, and lasting happiness. Through a series of lessons shared with his former colleague, John, Julian imparts the wisdom he has gained, teaching the virtues necessary to cultivate a fulfilling life.

    At its core, the book offers readers a guide to achieving inner peace, mastering one’s mind, and living in alignment with one’s true purpose. It draws on various spiritual traditions, particularly those rooted in Eastern philosophy, to provide practical advice on how to lead a balanced and meaningful life. The book's central themes include the importance of mental discipline, the power of purpose, and the value of serving others. Through vivid metaphors and engaging storytelling, Sharma encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and make the changes necessary to achieve their highest potential.

    Table of Contents

    1. Introduction to Julian Mantle's Journey
    2. The Garden of the Mind
    3. The Lighthouse of Purpose
    4. The Sumo Wrestler and Kaizen
    5. The Wire Cable of Discipline
    6. The Gold Watch of Time Management
    7. The Roses of Kindness
    8. The Path of Diamonds: Living in the Moment
    9. Conclusion: The Path to Nirvana

    Introduction to Julian Mantle's Journey

    Julian Mantle, once a renowned and wealthy lawyer, finds himself at the brink of physical and emotional collapse. His life, marked by excess and materialism, is suddenly shattered by a heart attack that serves as a wake-up call. Julian realizes that despite his outward success, his life lacks true fulfillment. This realization propels him to sell his possessions, including his beloved Ferrari, and set off on a quest to find deeper meaning in life. His journey takes him to the Himalayan mountains, where he learns the ancient wisdom of the Sages of Sivana.

    Julian's transformation is nothing short of miraculous. When he returns, he is no longer the stressed, aging man he once was but a vibrant and youthful figure. This dramatic change piques the curiosity of his former colleague, John, who becomes the audience for Julian's teachings. Through their conversations, Julian shares the timeless principles he has learned, offering a roadmap to a life filled with purpose, joy, and inner peace.

      Sign Up for Free

    Sign up for FREE and get access to 1,400+ books summaries.

    You May Also Like

     12 min
    The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

    A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life

    By Mark Manson
     19 min
    The Alchemist

    By Paulo Coelho
     16 min
    Becoming

    By Michelle Obama
     18 min
    Atomic Habits

    An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

    By James Clear
    FREE
     14 min
    The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

    30th Anniversary Edition

    By Stephen R. Covey
     14 min
    Unbroken

    A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption

    By Laura Hillenbrand
     22 min
    Story

    Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting

    By Robert McKee
     11 min
    Rich Dad Poor Dad

    What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money - That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!

    By Robert T. Kiyosaki
     13 min
    Outliers

    The Story of Success

    By Malcolm Gladwell
     13 min
    Milk and Honey

    By Rupi Kaur
    FREE
     20 min
    How To Win Friends and Influence People

    The All-Time Classic Manual Of People Skills

    By Dale Carnegie
     8 min
    Blink

    The Power of Thinking Without Thinking

    By Malcolm Gladwell
     12 min
    The Woman in Me

    By Britney Spears
     17 min
    Untamed

    By Glennon Doyle
     17 min
    The Power

    Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

    By Rhonda Byrne
     10 min
    The Power of Habit

    Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

    By Charles Duhigg
     15 min
    Greenlights

    By Matthew McConaughey
     18 min
    Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

    By Lori Gottlieb
     18 min
    Quiet: The Power of Introverts

    The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

    By Susan Cain
     16 min
    The Sun and Her Flowers

    By Rupi Kaur