“Tortoise shell gleamed from couches and divans and the walls, inlaid with gems, shimmered with brocades of the most painstaking design.”

This vivid imagery is meant to emphasize the sheer scale of Hafid’s wealth as he approaches the end of his life. He has mastered The Art and Principles of Sales, a process that involves understanding The Nature of Success—even if not all success if monetary.

“You have mastered the art of living not for yourself alone, but for others, and this concern has stamped thee above all, as a man among men.”

The Nature of Success is about more than wealth: Rather, The Greatest Salesman in the World encourages prioritizing others’ needs and sharing success. Likewise, Hafid compliments his bookkeeper, Erasmus, for being devoted to others.

“Time is my most precious commodity and the hour glass of my life is nearly filled.”

Hafid metaphorically refers to his impending death. Like Pathros before him, it is only after a long, fulfilling life that he finally meets the successor meant to receive their 10 scrolls in a cyclical passing of knowledge.