This is the second self-help book I have read this year with an abundance of essential life hacks and habits that will be forever useful. Dale Carnegie has written an evergreen piece of classic treasure that will remain relevant for generations to come. A must-read for all who socially struggle to make sense of others or their own dealings.

Some wise advice, but a little dated.

This book's title is so very easily misunderstandable. It's sort of like all the conspiracy theory videos out there. People will catch a wiff of "global elite", "federal reserve" and will turn their noses straight up in a matter of seconds. Conspiracy "sceptics" have poisoned so many wells, its a miracle that remote villages the world over haven't yet been completely wiped out.

The reason its title is so misunderstandable is because, similarly to the alleged conspiracy theorists, it alludes to techniques and practices used in picking up women or something; devious hypocrisies of socially challenged, sad little people that practice their speech in front of mirrors and reduce human contact to rules and habits; strategists of human contact that know about as much of real bonding between people as a typical child knows about chickens from its early rearing on McNuggets.

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In a nutshell:

Six Ways To Make People Like You

Become genuinely interested in other people.
Smile.
Remember that a man's name is to him the sweetest and most important sound in the English language.
Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
Talk in terms of the other man's interest.
Make people feel important, and do it sincerely.


Twelve Ways Of Winning People To Your Way Of Thinking

The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it.
Show respect for the other man's opinions. Never tell a man he is wrong.
If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.
Begin in a friendly way.
Get people saying "yes, yes" immediately.
Let other people do a great deal of talking.
Let other people feel that the idea is theirs.
Try honestly to see things from the other man's point of view.
Be sympathetic with other people's ideas and desires.
Appeal to the nobler motives.
Dramatize your ideas.
Throw down a challenge.


Nine Ways To Change People Without Giving Offense Or Arousing Resentment

Begin with praise and honest appreciation.
Call attention to people's mistakes indirectly.
Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other man.
Ask questions instead of giving direct orders.
Let the other man save face.
Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement.
Give people a fine reputation to live up to.
Use encouragement. Make the fault seem easy to correct.
Make other people happy about doing the thing you suggest.

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Mr. Dale Carnegie in his book is suggesting, simply put, that we care about others. That's about it. A little active interest can go a long way, whether its for other people's sense of pride, problems, aspirations or interests. If "How to Win Friends and Influence People" does something excellently in its quaint, '30s American way of dealing with things, is to show how in our self-centredness we forget how much we like other people treating us since we so often refrain from doing it ourselves.

The awesome thing about the list above is that the book doesn't suggest you do these things just to win others over and be likeable, it doesn't tell you: "OK you loser, this is what people like so you better do it. Of COURSE I know you hate being kind and interested in others, you're a self-obsessed bastard like all of us, time to quit acting like a loser and be a champion". No. That's the en, or course: improving the quality of your social life; but the means is being a better person in all honesty, someone who one would like to be with and share things with because, damn, it'd be worth it! What can ever be wrong with that? In fact, we see so little of the above these days that suspicion is immediately raised when people seem to be genuinely interested in others. What can I say? Let's stick to being nice for a change and see what happens!

After reading this book I didn't come out thinking that I knew how to better "make people like me", "win people to my way of thinking" or "change people without giving offense". I don't even want to make people like me or win people over; I just want to be kind to others for the pure joy of it! In all actuality, I now feel that the titles above are there only to lure unsuspected people in and help them, by the end of the book, get over the limitations and close-mindedness of wanting to "change people over to their way of thinking".

Through the book i will change something to my life

Brilliant

Once upon a time, I was a teenager and certified asshole. My dad made me read this book. Since he made me read it, I've chosen to read it many a time. It's just good advice on how to be civil, courteous, and fair with others. Especially good if you have a hot head and need to learn the importance of staying cool in a disagreement.

If you haven't read this book...read it! If you have read this book...read it again!

This book really was incredible. I finished it and I now feel like I have a tool-kit for successful relationships. Most of the principles established in this book I have heard before, but this book explains each principle like it will change your life...I officially agree with every argument Dale Carnegie makes!

I've made the goal to read this book, or review this book, at least once a year. ...Read it.

Valuable book with a -- contrary to what its title implies -- good-natured intention. The piece "Father Forgets" early in the book touched me deeply. The advise of the book is from another day and age, well before the invent of the internet. Some chapters are no longer applicable, but the human heart-to-hearts still apply. Has a prominent place in my bookshelf in my endeavor to be a better man and I welcome personal feedback of how I act as a person with regards to what is written in this book.

Finished Audiobook
GOOD classic book on life advices.

(Found in my father's bookshelf).

The good thing about the book is that Carnegie always uses his own experiences to explain his points. There were certainly some helpful advices and important things to think about, and on the other hand, there were lots of sympathize.with.everyone.even.those.who.treat.you.badly.bullshit that you can find at almost every self-help book.

The chapters are very long at the beginning and at some point I think he's just saying the same thing but with different words.. But it's a good book.

I did not like this book, all the advice just seemed way to obvious and out of touch to me. like I can't speak for others but one of the points is "talking less about yourself". yes this is true but obviously if you are less self centered and focus on them more theyll like you?? some other advice given is being encouraging and being kind to people. same for this. I felt like I didnt learn anything from this book but maybe I am just not seeing the true meaning of his advice.