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Zig
PART ONE
The Early Years
Mama Married Papa
When my mother, Lila Hannifew Wescott, was fifteen years old, she married my father, eighteen-year-old, John Silas "Judge" Ziglar. Their wedding date was December 18, 1902. They lived with Mama's parents, Ephram and Emily Wescott, for six months before they settled in south Alabama near what is currently the town of New Hope.
I'm told Mama was different from many young women of her time largely because of the influence of her mother--a successful merchant of sewing materials, sewing machines, and sewing machine parts. In the 1880s few women were independent or enterprising enough to have their own businesses--my grandmother was a true exception. Apparently she instilled her strong-willed personality arising out of her Irish background in Mama, because I never knew Mama to be at a loss over any circumstance.
It seems my mama's unusual background perfectly suited her for my entrepreneurial father. Papa farmed, owned a sawmill, operated and managed a shingle mill, and juggled several businesses simultaneously. He was a forebear of the successful work ethic later associated so closely with the 1940s and '50s in this country. My papa, John Silas Ziglar, was a man of action, who balanced family life well with his work.
As a family provider, Papa had few peers. He was never wealthy, but his energy and common sense guaranteed that our family never went without. Papa bartered his farmed goods with the people in our community; he drained and sold resin from pine trees; he took the excess syrup from his brother Oscar's cane mill, made cane juice, and developed a "route" where he put cans of cane juice in mailboxes early in the week and collected his money from the mailboxes later in the week. Papa often rode across the Alabama state line to Florida and bought (or traded for) fish, which he placed in iced barrels and delivered to people who had purchased them in advance. In those days no one had refrigerators and very few had ice boxes, so fresh fish had a special appeal. On more than one occasion Mama had to remind Papa to "stop at our house first," since his fresh Florida fish were in such demand.
The Judge
Papa earned his nickname, the Judge, for his ability to quickly differentiate right from wrong. In addition, he was not shy about sharing his opinion. He was umpire for the community weekend baseball games, and when the Judge spoke, there was no rebuttal.
As the story goes, on one occasion the home team traveled several miles for a game that erupted into a loud and prolonged argument over a disputed call by the local umpire. Both teams mounted horses or wagons or set out on foot to travel the distance between the field and our home. You can well imagine my mother's surprise when she answered the front door to find forty to fifty disgruntled baseball players and spectators demanding to see the Judge.
The competitors explained the situation. My father rendered his decision, and everyone left satisfied. Debating or questioning the Judge's decision never occurred to anyone. He was a thoughtful man possessed of great confidence. Everyone respected his intelligence, fairness, and judgment.
The Love of a Father
Our family was full of affection as Mama and Papa were both "huggers." When anyone visited our home, they were engulfed in hugs and surrounded by laughter and
The Early Years
Mama Married Papa
When my mother, Lila Hannifew Wescott, was fifteen years old, she married my father, eighteen-year-old, John Silas "Judge" Ziglar. Their wedding date was December 18, 1902. They lived with Mama's parents, Ephram and Emily Wescott, for six months before they settled in south Alabama near what is currently the town of New Hope.
I'm told Mama was different from many young women of her time largely because of the influence of her mother--a successful merchant of sewing materials, sewing machines, and sewing machine parts. In the 1880s few women were independent or enterprising enough to have their own businesses--my grandmother was a true exception. Apparently she instilled her strong-willed personality arising out of her Irish background in Mama, because I never knew Mama to be at a loss over any circumstance.
It seems my mama's unusual background perfectly suited her for my entrepreneurial father. Papa farmed, owned a sawmill, operated and managed a shingle mill, and juggled several businesses simultaneously. He was a forebear of the successful work ethic later associated so closely with the 1940s and '50s in this country. My papa, John Silas Ziglar, was a man of action, who balanced family life well with his work.
As a family provider, Papa had few peers. He was never wealthy, but his energy and common sense guaranteed that our family never went without. Papa bartered his farmed goods with the people in our community; he drained and sold resin from pine trees; he took the excess syrup from his brother Oscar's cane mill, made cane juice, and developed a "route" where he put cans of cane juice in mailboxes early in the week and collected his money from the mailboxes later in the week. Papa often rode across the Alabama state line to Florida and bought (or traded for) fish, which he placed in iced barrels and delivered to people who had purchased them in advance. In those days no one had refrigerators and very few had ice boxes, so fresh fish had a special appeal. On more than one occasion Mama had to remind Papa to "stop at our house first," since his fresh Florida fish were in such demand.
The Judge
Papa earned his nickname, the Judge, for his ability to quickly differentiate right from wrong. In addition, he was not shy about sharing his opinion. He was umpire for the community weekend baseball games, and when the Judge spoke, there was no rebuttal.
As the story goes, on one occasion the home team traveled several miles for a game that erupted into a loud and prolonged argument over a disputed call by the local umpire. Both teams mounted horses or wagons or set out on foot to travel the distance between the field and our home. You can well imagine my mother's surprise when she answered the front door to find forty to fifty disgruntled baseball players and spectators demanding to see the Judge.
The competitors explained the situation. My father rendered his decision, and everyone left satisfied. Debating or questioning the Judge's decision never occurred to anyone. He was a thoughtful man possessed of great confidence. Everyone respected his intelligence, fairness, and judgment.
The Love of a Father
Our family was full of affection as Mama and Papa were both "huggers." When anyone visited our home, they were engulfed in hugs and surrounded by laughter and
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First published July 1, 2002
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About the author
Zig Ziglar
399 books1,367 followersZig Ziglar was a motivational teacher and trainer who traveled the world over, delivering his messages of humor, hope, and encouragement. As a talented author and speaker, he had international appeal that transcended every color, culture, and career. Recognized by his peers as the quintessential motivational genius of our times, Zig Ziglar had a unique delivery style and powerful messages that earned him many honors. Today he is considered one of the most versatile authorities on the science of human potential. Ten of his twenty-eight books have been on bestseller lists, and his titles have been translated into more than thirty-eight languages and dialects. He was a committed family man, a dedicated patriot, and an active church member. Zig lived in Plano, Texas, with his wife, Jean.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 2, 2012
I've been reading and listening to Zig since the '80's. He's had a big influence on my life and I even attended an event in his house outside Dallas, when I attended his Born to Win seminar back in 1995. His autobiography is pure Zig, all the way. The ups and downs, the good times and the difficult times and a testimony that still inspires me.
Great book!
Great book!
February 20, 2023
I've appreciated Zig's materials on Goal setting and it was great to hear his story.
Understanding his roots and seeing his path (not a straight one!) of growth and success emphasizes that we all have mountain tops and valleys.
It's also powerful to read how Zig came to Christ and the major change that made in his life.
Understanding his roots and seeing his path (not a straight one!) of growth and success emphasizes that we all have mountain tops and valleys.
It's also powerful to read how Zig came to Christ and the major change that made in his life.
June 25, 2018
I have listened to Zig Ziglar and decided to hear do this book. It was insightful and I appreciated his outlook on life. A bit disappointed, but I am not sure why. Perhaps I would have liked to hear more of his ideas. But I enjoyed it...
July 9, 2021
Zig: The Autobiography of Zig Ziglar, by Zig Ziglar
Lots of Z's is the title.
I bought this book 10 years ago, read it, think it must have been good or at least ok. I dunno, I forget. Completely forgotten about until now. I will it 3 stars as a guestimate.
Lots of Z's is the title.
I bought this book 10 years ago, read it, think it must have been good or at least ok. I dunno, I forget. Completely forgotten about until now. I will it 3 stars as a guestimate.
June 22, 2019
Just a quick recap of his life (with highlights). He was a good dude. His story is a good one, too.
August 16, 2019
BORING! For such a great salesman, he tries to "sell" you on his principles. Drones on, and on, and on! Was happy to finish - actually slowed down my reading for the year. Boo!
February 8, 2021
I have been a big fan of Zig Ziglar and his goals program and sales training. This book gave me a personal insight into the man and his faith. This is a great book!
May 4, 2024
Excellent book. I really enjoyed learning about his life story.
January 13, 2010
Zig Ziglar is a man I put on a pedestal that is only shared by men like the wonderful late Mr. Rodgers. His life is an amazing testament to any business man interested in the business of what is good, right, and upstanding. His examples of how positive thought can not only change your outcome, but the outcome of those around you is compelling. Any person, especially any person in business, should read something by Zig Ziglar in their life. His books are outstanding, and this autobiography tells the powerful story of his life and how he found success... true success.
August 29, 2010
Great read and insight on the life of Zig Ziglar. Even though he was basically naturally talented, he really threw away that talent for a long time. He failed because of ego and ignorance. When he started doing things for other people instead of himself, he finally found the super success that he had always desired.
My only disappointment with the book is towards the end it started to drag as he talked about his faith and politics.
My only disappointment with the book is towards the end it started to drag as he talked about his faith and politics.
August 6, 2015
If you want to learn about the mental and emotional attributes of good salesmanship this book is great. It is easy to read and makes sense. Ziglar comes across as a friendly, grandfatherly type as he advises you. I used to think I would never want to read such a book because I never wanted to be a salesman but it shows you basics and the fact that you can't really get away from sales in your life. You have to at least sell yourself at times. This book puts that in a good perspective.
October 12, 2011
I love all the Zig motivational and sales books, this was quite a change because it talked about all the mistakes he made to getting where he is at today. Very informative and really gives you another look at Zig.
February 18, 2012
Maybe a little long on the early years. Interesting that he spent the first 27 years of his life chasing after the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but before things clicked. I don't think it's a coincidence that it coincided with making God first in his life.
May 25, 2012
Zig Ziglar is one of the most amazing men of our time. He has a tremendous depth of life experiences to share with everyone. His advice can be adhered to by all ages.
I loved this book about a man I truly admire.
I loved this book about a man I truly admire.
May 10, 2014
Really a great book - listened to it on CD. Zig is motivating, funny, real and just wonderful. Truly moving and touching to hear him talk about his childhood in Yazoo City, MS in the Great Depression. He was one of 11 (12?) kids, raised by a young widow. Very uplifting and motivating book!
April 24, 2012
I love Zig Ziglar and his material! Highly recommend that you read anything you can get your hands on that Zig wrote!
December 16, 2014
Found this book very fascinating--
I enjoy the history behind the man.
I enjoy the history behind the man.
Read
August 7, 2011Did not read yet
June 13, 2017
What an amzing man! I have seen him speak and he writes just like he speaks. Great read!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews