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Summary: Tried, proven observations on how to get along
Review: One might well characterize this famous author as the Ben Franklin of our era; a kindly philosopher dispensing wit and wisdom. Wherever you are in life, his tried, proved observations on how to get along with your fellow man (without manipulation) will help you get more of what you want. The overwhelming proof lies in the fact that over 15 million copies have been sold, and it has been translated into every known written language.Why this is an American classic is best summed up in a quote from the jacket: "The sole purpose of this book is to help you solve the biggest problem you face: The problem of getting along with and influencing people in your everyday business and social contacts." Carnegie referred to his book as "A working handbook on human relations" and so it is. He sets down nine principles that change attitude and behavior along with true stories. The story examples may seem a bit dated, but don't let it bother you that you don't know the people mentioned in the book. It's easy to fit contemporary personalities into them and the end result is the same. Bedrock principles of human behavior are revealed and illustrated. A few Carnegie gems: "It's easier to criticize and condemn than it is to try to understand where the other person is coming from. "Keep in mind that people are not creatures of logic, but rather of emotion, pride, vanity and prejudice. "The deepest urge in people is the desire to be important. "Exude courage, frankness and good cheer. "If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically. "Welcome disagreement, distrust your first impressions, control your temper, thank opp9onents for their interest, postpone action until you think it through. "People usually have at least two reasons for doing something: one that sounds good and the real reason. "Nothing works in every situation. "Dramatize what you have to present. "Make it vivid and interesting. "Praise lavishly and show honest appreciation." Once you thoroughly understand what Author Carnegie is saying about how to get along with people and get what you both want, it's easy to practice the principles. But we forget, so it's a good idea to have your personal copy and re-read it at least once a year. Pick up a copy just to have it around.
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Summary: Should be Required Reading before high school graduation.
Review: I read this book and took this course many years ago and I've read the book many times since. This book can only help a person be a better wife, husband, parent, employee, employer, neighbor, doctor, teacher, etc., etc., etc. Even if someone were a recluse, this book would help them to be kinder to themself. We hear of "road-rage".....people needing selfcontrol.....people hating their jobs. I know a few people that think they just aren't "people" people but this book will help anyone feel a little more in control and a lot less intimidated when dealing with others. This book is not only for sales and it's definitely not a book to teach manipulation of others just for the benefit for one's self.To have better employees or children, influencing them is far better than ordering them. Influencing someone tends to work without supervision.
This is a book of learning to be optimistic and caring of others. Excellent book. This publication will NEVER be outdated. I challenge anyone reading my review to read this book and to see and feel how good this book really is. As a matter of fact, I read 5 novels a month and How To Win Friends.......is going to be one of those books this month........again :-}
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Summary: Classic book in human relationships
Review: This book excels in teaching the reader how to deal with people. Dale Carnegie uses many examples to illustrate his points and gives lots of sound advise. His writing style is very intriguing. I believe that this book can aid anyone who hasn't mastered the art of dealing with people. This book is worthwhile to buy, read, and re-read.
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Summary: Practical Advice for Human Relationships
Review: This book contains PRACTICAL ADVICE for dealing with people. The advice is mostly common sense, and you have probably observed every principle in this book. Most people have not taken the time to think about these principles though. Carnegie gives many examples to back his principles. DEBATORS AND POLITICIANS could learn a great deal from this book. If you do not have the time to finish the book, at least WRITE DOWN all of the principles in the book and think about them. They will sink in much better if you read the book, but regardless, just thinking about the principles will help. "HTWFAIP" contains a fundamental contradiction. Carnegie frequently advocates being UNSELFISH, yet the whole book is about getting your way. The book is also a bit OVERKILL. You will get the general idea about 1/2 way through.
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Summary: If only more people read this book!
Review: A no-nonsense, straightforward book with practical advice. An easy read and great investment. It offers many valuable lessons on how to improve your relationships with the people around you. I practiced many of the ideas in the book even before I got the book, but it was wonderful to see it written out. Basically, you will learn that if you make someone feel like he/she is the most important person in the world, you'll get along with him/her. Sounds simple, but you'll learn that that is the underlying idea for the advice you'll read about in the book.
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Summary: Wonderful!
Review: I first read this book as a pre-high school student at my saddest, lowest point in life. I wanted to know the secret to getting people to like me. My mom bought me the hardcover copy of this book ... I still remember reading it in the bathtub. Carnegie's words are simple and soothing. The recipe for making friends isn't some coplicated formula, but a down-to-earth tactful approach. Naturally when I became an independent business owner, this book was on the booklist in the business. This book can be read by people of all ages and applied to all areas of life; school, business, on the job, in relationships, you name it! I also recommend "Grow Rich While You Sleep" By Ben Sweetland.
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Summary: Great Book, Highly Recommended
Review: I believe that this book's goal is to convince the reader that humans have a desire to feel appreciated and important. In fact, who doesn't like to feel important? Do you like to be criticized by your loved ones or your superior? Certainly, I don't. I just feel miserable when my boss make fun of me or find faults with me. I hate to say it, but I think there are a lot of supervisors and employers out there who just don't know how to handle with people and their employees. That is just my opinion. Reading this book has given me new insights on how to influence people. Before, I have zero people skills. But now, I find an excuse to talk to the cashier at my cafeteria. I thank people more (like my postman and my custodian). I say hi to people that I vaguely know. And guess what? I have more friends and I have more people willing to help me. I think it is always a good idea to refresh on tactics that will improve your relationship with poeple. It doesn't hurt, right? Personally, I enjoy personal growth. I am always striving to be a better person, and I want to be a "gentleman" (if that word exists anymore). I know that it requires effort and time to praise people and hold your will to criticize. But at the end, life is short and precious. Why not try to be happy? This book is very similar to Alan Loy McGinnis's book called "Frienship Factor." These books are very affordable for less than [price]. I don't think there is anything to loose.
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Summary: There are too many fake things out there already
Review: That this book sold over 15 million copies must give us pause. That kind of sales record might indicate that it is filling a basic need. What need is that? The need to feel good about yourself and to think that you are doing the right thing. And so we get a simple and simplistic set of lists and formulae that tells us how to behave so that we can win friends and influence people. Would that life were that simple! The author claims these rules are scientifically based because he has done some real research by reading the opinions of famous people on this subject and by hiring a researcher to read things when he didn't have the time. The general rules are therefore supposedly derived from authoritative sources. But for the most part they are illustrated by sets of anecdotes that have come from the author's students who enrolled in his courses because they felt they needed to improve. Therefore the premise is shaky and the data base faulty. Those of us who know logic would say that there has been a partial selection of evidence such that what is presented here doesn't reflect the true universe of possibilities. Therefore no scientific conclusions can be drawn about whether the ideas proffered work or not. Other logical errors present therein include begging the question, false analogy, and over generalization. The major problem, however, is that that book asks people to be fake. We have plenty of fake things around these days, too many in fact. We don't need fake people. Diogenes found when requested by Alexander the Great no difference between the bones of his father and those of his father's slaves. Surely the philosopher must have known that that was the wrong answer. But he gave it anyway and lost his post. I say it is better to lose one's position and keep one's integrity. For, at last, are leveled, king and slave, without distinction, in the silent grave.
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Summary: Enjoyable and informative book! You will love it!
Review: This book is truly unique. The title is a little melodramatic, but this book by Dale Carnegie is so much more than that. I don't care whether you have 500 friends or 1 friend. I don't care whether you have $10 million or $50 in your bank. I don't care who you are personally. This book is for everyone. It is enjoyable to read, with many great little quotes and stories that you can even tell your kids as a bedtime story. It is interesting to read how people's lifes changed by applying the principles in this book. I don't think I actively apply all the principles in this book, but subconciously I might have added some of these traits to my personality. I think the most important trait is being different. There was a little story in the book about a boy who no one noticed, a little boy with no friends, a normal boy with no special interests. He acted "average", doing everything like everything else. Then one day he decided to be himself, he made his hair look funky, he played Halma in the middle of the mensa, and so on. Soon he became the most popular guy in the school. Simply for the fact of being different. I think I acted normal or average as well. Most everyone does. But by being different you will make everyone around you act a little different and the world will become a happier and more interesting place. I bought this book at the Chicago O'Hare Airport because my flight was delayed. I wanted something to get me over the wait. I noticed the aisle with advice on your own self. Psychological advice, public speaking advice, how-to-do this and that books. You all know what I am talking about. Then I saw this little book in the corner, the only book with no flashy graphics, no modern fonts, no metallic cover. A simple book with a simple title. I bought it. I started reading it. I was even disappointed that my flight finally arrived and I had to get up and stop reading for a few minutes. I did not want to put this book down. Neither will you my friend. Dale Carnegie has such a fine writing style, it is a joy to read. I recommend reading this book. I have read quite many a book in my life, but this one is the truest and freshest I have ever encountered. By the way, I just started reading "How to stop worrying" and I have already ordered a few of Carnegie's other books. Bottom Line: A magnificent piece of work, from the first page until the very last.
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Summary: Good read, but needs some serious updating
Review: Is Dale Carnegie still alive? I'm not sure, but the examples in this text are ancient -- pre-World War II, I'm guessing. Otherwise he makes some great insights. Now if I could just put them into practice...
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