Embracing the Rare and Rarity – Lessons from Og Mandino’s Scroll Marked IV

This month, I found myself captivated by Og Mandino’s Scroll Marked IV in The Greatest Salesman in the World. Its message resonated deeply.

“I am nature’s greatest miracle. I am a unique creature of nature. I am rare, and there is value in all rarity; therefore, I am valuable.”

— Og Mandino, The Greatest Salesman in the World

These words didn’t just settle in my mind—they’ve found a place in my soul.

I’ve come to see how being rare — being different — isn’t just good; it’s extraordinary. Like my unapologetic decision to enjoy steak as rare as it comes, this insight has taught me to embrace my uniqueness with confidence and joy, even when others don’t understand.

Meat and Rarity: A Reflection of Choice

Let’s address the elephant — or should I say, the steak — in the room. Eating meat, particularly steak, has become something of a faux pas in today’s world. Many view it as a choice that’s outdated, controversial, or even wrong.

And let’s not even talk about how I like it prepared! A blue-rare steak or a plate of steak tartare? For some, it’s beyond unappealing — it’s downright repulsive.

But here’s the thing: I don’t apologize for my choices.

Choosing to eat meat and enjoying it rare isn’t about defying trends or being intentionally provocative. It’s about being true to myself.

Just like the message in Scroll Marked IV, it’s about recognizing that my preferences, my beliefs, and my choices — however uncommon — are part of what makes me rare, unique, and valuable.

Standing Firm in Authenticity

In a world that increasingly champions conformity, being different takes courage. Society often pressures us to fit into neat boxes, to align with the majority, to follow the “safe” path.

When it comes to diet, lifestyle, or values, we’re often judged for stepping outside the norm. But Mandino’s words remind me: “I am rare, and there is value in all rarity; therefore, I am valuable.”

I’m not here to fit into everyone’s expectations. Whether it’s my choice to eat meat in a world leaning plant-based or my preference for a steak that barely kissed the grill, I’m reminded that authenticity is a treasure.

It’s not about pleasing everyone; it’s about honoring who I am and the values I hold dear.

Why Rarity Matters

Being rare means standing apart. It means embracing what makes you different, even if others don’t understand or accept it. In today’s world, where homogeneity often feels like the goal, rarity is a gift.

Rare things — like gems, masterpieces, or unspoiled wilderness — are prized for their uniqueness. So why shouldn’t rare people be celebrated, too?

When I bite into a blue-rare steak, it’s not just a meal — it’s a declaration of my willingness to live authentically. It’s a reminder that I don’t need to apologize for my choices. Instead, I embrace them as a reflection of my individuality, my values, and my worth.

The Courage to Be Different

Choosing to be rare isn’t easy. It means facing criticism, misunderstanding, or even outright rejection. But it also means living with integrity and confidence. Like my steak, I know I’m not for everyone. Some might find my choices unpalatable, and that’s okay.

Those who value me will understand. They’ll appreciate that my willingness to stand out, to live authentically, and to embrace my rarity is a reflection of my strength.

Biting Into Rarity

So, I’ll keep ordering my steak as rare as it comes. I’ll keep eating meat unapologetically, knowing that my choices reflect who I am. And I’ll keep reminding myself of Mandino’s words: “I am nature’s greatest miracle.”

The Takeaway

If you take one thing from this, let it be this: embrace your rarity. Whether it’s in how you order your steak, the way you live your life, or the values you hold dear, know that there is immense power in being different.

In a world that often champions conformity, choose to be rare. Be bold, be authentic, and be unapologetically you.

There’s no greater miracle than that.