How to Win Friends and Influence People (Paperback)

I won't waste your time with a rundown of what "How to Win Friends and Influence People" is about. With over 15 million copies sold, and with a very self-explanatory title, I think you all get it. For the rare person who may not know what this book is about, here's a succinct description: in 1930s vernacular prose, Dale Carnegie explains that by appealing to the other person's highest ideals, remembering the other person's name, letting the other person do most of the talking, speaking in terms of the other person's interests, allowing the other to save face, by "throwing down a challenge," etc., you can make a friend out of just about anyone. The advice is largely sound, but I think the reader should keep in mind the context within which this book was written. "How to Win Friends and Influence People" was written in the 1930's and intended primarily as a companion book to Dale Carnegie's classes on how to be a good salesman. In other words, these techniques work very well in the context of sales and public relations, i.e., in relationships that are not expected to be deep and/or long-lasting. I wouldn't recommend using these techniques on close personal friends. Doing so may make a person come across as a bit "plastic." Also, there is one major point that I think needs to be remembered, but unfortunately is nowhere to be found in "How to Win Friends and Influence People." During my research of Dale Carnegie's techniques, I came across what I believe may be the only biography available about him: Dale Carnegie: The Man Who Influenced Millions by Giles Kemp and Edward Claflin. This book reveals many interesting things, such as the fact that Dale Carnegie grew up poor; he lost part of his left index finger when he was a child; he often broke many of the tenets set forth in this book, often forgetting others' names, often arguing with others, etc. But what I found most interesting was that the last chapter of "How to Win Friends" was to describe those individuals with whom none of Dale Carnegie's techniques work. In this unpublished chapter, Carnegie wrote that there were some people with whom it was impossible to get along. You either needed to divorce such people, "knock them down," or sue them in court. Why is that chapter absent from this book, you ask? Well, Dale Carnegie was in the middle of writing this chapter when he was offered a trip to Europe, and rather than complete this last chapter he decided to take the trip. The uncompleted book was sent off to publishers, and Carnegie shipped off to Europe. Giles Kemp and Edward Claflin say that given the optimistic tone of the rest of "How to Win Friends," the European trip was perhaps the better choice. Reconciling the the unwritten chapter with the rest of this optimistic book would've been nearly impossible, they say. Anyway, I think that this unpublished chapter is important to keep in mind. I had to learn the hard way that the unpublished chapter is very true. There are some people with whom it is impossible to get along. When you meet up with such people, and believe me you will, don't think that you've failed the Carnegie techniques. Instead, remind yourself that you are experiencing exactly what Carnegie describes in that pragmatic, unpublished chapter. And then quickly move on to the nicer people!

One of the best books ever written. The Bible and The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, being the best of course .📚👍🏻🖖🏻🦅🇺🇸

Great book it's a classic after reading it you feel like you could take on the world I enjoyed it I know everyone else will too it's more than just a book it's motivational.

Very informative book on how to develop self confidence and enjoying life

This book is awesome!! It just makes sense and is an awesome reminder on how to be a better person overall.

It's a great book - as a doctor, it's important to connect with your patients. Sometimes, it's easy, and sometimes, it's hard. I've found this book makes all my connections with people easier.

I got a good book. It's a must read for people who is shy and want to develop networking skills.

the shipping box had no bubble wrap or foam the book must have bounced around, the corners and the back cover was ruined so i had to return it

you guys have not refunded my money for this book it has been over 14 days the two customer service people i was talking to said my refund so be in my acct within 10 buissness days still havent receive it

The font was so small I couldn't read it and had to send it back.