This book is chock full of practical, common sense advice. Want people to like you? Show you like THEM, smile, be honestly happy to see them, remember their names, be interested in them, listen to them, etc. Want to influence them? Don't argue or tell them they are wrong (even if they are), but honestly emphasize where they are right, compliment them, and start with your areas of agreement. Want to be a leader? Ecourage people, praise them, listen to them, ask them questions. Of course, the examples in this book require us to apply honesty and common sense, and if so, this book is quite helpful. Sadly, too many of us fail to heed the advice in these pages. We can all do better, and this book can help us do so.

Everyone should read this book. There is nothing bad that can come from it. The stories contained are interesting and the concepts are completely simple. In fact, nothing taught here was ever mind blowing or surprising. The surprising part was the self reflection it brought and the desire it created in me to want to adapt concepts from this book I previously felt needless. This is the kind of reading I wish I was forced to read growing up and not books about a bunch of stupid kids on an island that go crazy and fight each other.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a must-read for anyone who desires to put the Golden Rule into everyday use. Through numerous stories and examples, Mr. Carnegie shows how we can truly accomplish the impossible---just by putting others' interests before our own. The book bogs down a little if you try to read through it all at once, so I would recommend breaking it up and just reading a chapter or two at a time. Definitely push through to the end--it's very worth it!

The folks that reviewed this book as a "1 star" might have missed the point of this book. In order for these techniques to work, you must use a common sense approach to each situation.

For instance, one of the techinques described in the book deals with finding a common interest in someone you have just met. Unfortunately, if you use the book without using common sense translation it would go something like this:
"Hi! I like the shirt you are wearing. It's got an image of a racing car on it. I like racecars, too! Now that we have racing cars in common, will you help me with my homework?"
Without a common sense approach, this technique fails.

Another technique decribes how to speak to a shy person. If you are shy, would this approach stated below work on you? I would doubt it.
"Hi. You seem shy so I'm going to converse with you so you can overcome your shyness. So, what's up?"

The techniques in this book will require you to use your head, your common sense and your own personality to be effective.

The overall message is the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you, personally, would want to be treated".

Also, this is not an "all or nothing" way of life. If you use a few of these techniques the way you see fitting within your personality, they will work wonders for you.

I've used these techniques and have had considerable success. I believe it was a worthy investment.

Excellent book. Lots of useful information and real life examples of how to apply the principles in the book.

If you have never read this book, pick it up and give it a read. Or buy the CD and listen to it on your next road trip.

This is the kind of book that is definitely a classic and can learn something new every time you read it. The principles of relationships, showing you how to interact with people and getting that job you want reminds me also of the principles of the law of attraction and my favorite book,Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook. In this book too you learn about the law of attraction in a workbook format and improve your relationships.

while a lot of the material may seem like common sense, the book drives the points home very effectivly. Whenever I can I try to apply some of the concepts in this book and see that they really work.

Is it possible to learn how to make friends? Read this and find out for yourself... Revolutionary.

This is a good book, no doubt about it. It was written a long time ago, but much of the advice contained within its pages is timeless and pertinent no matter what era we live in.

There is some advice in this book, though, that is a little dated. I feel just some of the tips for dealing with people would not work out the same way in today's world with current attitudes.

How To Win Friends And Influence People is definitely worth reading, but I think the reader really needs to analyze all the advice and adjust and tweak things a little to be useful in today's society.

Overall an excellent book.

Real Life Dramas - Volume One

Darren G. Burton

A timeless treasure that belongs on every bookshelf. Every person should read this book at least once a year.

Although originally written several decades ago, Carnegie's masterpiece about human
relationships is still timeless classic with principles that still apply today. Carnegie crafts a classic on how to create strong and lasting relationships with others through listening, understanding, and emphasizing. He argues convincingly that the way to win friends and influence people is to make others feel important. Simple, but extremely powerful concepts!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

Awsome book for any of those in Management, will teach you how to effectively deal with employees like never before!

Everyone needs friends, and it's a good thing if you can be a positive influence on others. I ordered this book with that particular purpose in mind. I want to win friends and influence people. I have not finished the book but the few pages I have perused certainly look encouraging! I'm pleased with the book, it's condition and the timely manner in which it arrived.

I can't think of a more important book that I have read that I often go back to time and time again to learn and relearn from. Dale Carnegie might as well have laid out a blueprint for the most authentic way to live with out compromising individuality in the process. A solid book to read if you're looking for guidance in the professional and personal relationship world that is becoming more and more open as the ability to connect on so many different levels have increased. This book is timeless in not feeling outdated in-spite of that. In fact, it's a testament that a society can't thrive with out good, smart and positive human interaction

The book basically teaches you the common sense about human psychology. I strongly suggest everyone to read over this book. It will help you on day to day basis. Simply because common sense this days are not so common this days anymore. This book put common sense right back to where it belongs. =] Strongly recommend.

If you were stranded on an island this is one of two books you would want to have with you. Because you can read it again and again and still learn something new from the amazing insights; and also because you would become such a master at understanding how to connect with people that you would probably be rescued sooner!

"How to win friends and Influence people" changed my life when I first read it back in 1974 and it is still as helpful in my work today of helping others realize and then reach their potential. This book is the best of the best in understanding the psychology of how to develop lasting relationships. If you haven't read it you are missing out on timeless secrets that will bring you greater joy.

Everyone should read this book. It can be applied to everyone, whether in business or in personal life. Plan and simple a must read for all ages !!!!

This book was written almost 80 years ago, yet so much of it holds true today. I purchased the Kindle version of this book and I must say, the lookup function on the Kindle aided me greatly in understanding the book--a lot of the words in this book are words of my grandparents and great grandparents.

I read this book on the way up to job interviews and it aided me greatly--I know I made more of a splash with my job interviewers than I would have without reading this book. I've avoided some conflicts and gotten my way in my personal life as a result of things gleaned from this book. There is nothing profound in this book that I didn't already know, but the examples used in making the authors points are very easy to understand. This book should be a must-read book in high school and college--the world would be a better place.

I recommend this book without hesitation.

This book will help you in living a better life for yourself and for the people around you. not only will it help you in your business life but also your personal. i hope anyone interested in bettering themselves should read it.

How To Win Friends... is a must read for anyone wanting to improve their communication skills among friends, family, relatives, work associates, customers, or anyone on this earth. It will change your life. The principles of communicating are all written out and defined through examples, results, and explanations. They are so practical and so easy to understand. Immediately after reading this book I started putting the principles into action. I am amazed at not only the positive changes I am seeing coming from people I am coming into contact with, but also the positive attitude it has brought me about being around and communicating with other people every day of my life. I will go as far as saying, "if you never read this book, you are going to miss half of your life and never know it." So do yourself and everyone you communicate with for the rest of your life a favor, read it as many times as you have to in order to master the principles it teaches. The best book I have ever read.

I think anyone who decides to read Dale Carnegie's book, "How to Win Friends and Influence People" will not regret it and it will be very beneficial to them. My first thought was this was going to be a dry self-help book that would take forever to finish. I was seriously wrong - I guess I judged the book by its cover. The book was very easy to read and flowed nicely. It's a great book to learn from and improve your social skills. He talked about how to deal with people, how to get people to think your way, and how to get people to like you. He talks about so many principles and techniques that are common sense, but you would not realize them until you are told them. For example, he talked about not criticizing others because by doing that will not get people to like you or to get them to do something for you. It will only make them despise you and not be cooperative - makes sense! Also, he talked about simple gestures to make people like you. Simple as smiling at a person, showing that you are interested in them and what they have to say, and just making a person feel important. He explains that people want to feel important and feel appreciated - that people crave that feeling more than anything. I liked that Carnegie talked about his own mistakes and experiences. He even talked about his friends / acquaintances, and even famous, powerful people and how they learned to change their ways when dealing with others and on how to understand and communicate more efficiently with others. One other thing that I really liked was that the book was written in the 30's and all the principles and techniques Carnegie described can still be applied over 70 years later. This is a good book to check out!

"How to Win Friends and Influence People" is the definitive self-help book. Whether you're trying to make friends, improve your sales closing ratio or persuade others to your way of thinking, this is the preeminent book for learning how to do so. Many books that have followed used this as their template.

To win friends and influence people:

1. Never criticize, condemn or complain.
2. Always show your sincere appreciation.
3. Talk in terms of what others want and how they can achieve their goals.
4. Show genuine interest (not false flattery) in what others have to say.
5. Smile.
6. Remember people's names.
7. Listen closely to what others have to say and encourage them to tell you more.
8. Make others feel important and acknowledge what they have to offer. Avoid the urge to "one-up" the other guy.
9. The only way to win an argument is to avoid it.
10. Never directly tell someone they're wrong. It will raise their defenses and inhibit their objectivity.
11. Welcome disagreements as opportunities to understand one another.
12. Try to look at things from the other's point of view.

There are approximately thirty chapters/rules for winning friends and influencing people. The above are just a few.

If more people in the world understood and used these techniques, we'd all be so much better off.

"How to Win Friends and Influence People" is the definitive self-help book. Whether you're trying to make friends, improve your sales closing ratio or persuade others to your way of thinking, this is the preeminent book for learning how to do so. Many books that have followed used this as their template.

To win friends and influence people:

1. Never criticize, condemn or complain.
2. Always show your sincere appreciation.
3. Talk in terms of what others want and how they can achieve their goals.
4. Show genuine interest (not false flattery) in what others have to say.
5. Smile.
6. Remember people's names.
7. Listen closely to what others have to say and encourage them to tell you more.
8. Make others feel important and acknowledge what they have to offer. Avoid the urge to "one-up" the other guy.
9. The only way to win an argument is to avoid it.
10. Never directly tell someone they're wrong. It will raise their defenses and inhibit their objectivity.
11. Welcome disagreements as opportunities to understand one another.
12. Try to look at things from the other's point of view.

There are approximately thirty chapters/rules for winning friends and influencing people. The above are just a few.

If more people in the world understood and used these techniques, we'd all be so much better off.

Good luck!

This was an excellent resource witll outstanding ideas. It occasionally lacks specific details of the methods but makes up for that with great examples. A must read for anyone who works with other people.

This book was given to me 20 years ago by a thoughtful brother-in-law. I read it, digested it and use it everyday. Anyone who is, or will be, in the position of leading people must read this book. Some of the great lessons imparted in this book are:

* Put yourself in the other fellows position to understand him;
* If you must criticize, give it in private, allow venting, and tell your ego to take a walk;
* Work to become genuinely interested in other people;
* Work to be a good listener; and
* Look for common ground ¯ get the other fellow to say "Yes."

It is the best kind of book; a condensation of thoughts on a lecture series that Dale Carnegie offered for a number of years before writing this book. A condensation is best because lecturing, as I've found, gives you pause to think about what your words (printed or spoken) mean and whether they have the desired impact on your audience.

Carnegie breaks down his course into bite-size lessons:

Part One - Fundamentals
(Working with and understanding egos)

Part Two ¯ Six ways to make people like you
(Become a good conversationalist)

Part Three ¯ How to win people to your way of thinking

Part Four ¯ Be a leader

I suggest buying an audio version of the book to accompany the paperback version. Both are highly enlightening.

If this review was helpful, please add your vote.

As a struggling young salesman years ago, Dale Carnegie's classic helped me to win friends and influence people. Dale's content is so important I keep telling my kids to read this book. I'm not sure if they have finished or not.

But, people I CAN control are the characters in my novel, Uncle Juan's Cabin. They benefit from Mr. Carnegie's advice and guidance to help achieve their timely goals in this timely new thriller.

Thanks for the guidance, Mr. C!

One important thing that no reviewer has commented on is the fact that ALL the stories in the book involve MEN.
There are NO examples of women achieving anything or having any social significance.
Every example he brings of people who succeeded in life and made a difference in society ARE ALL MEN.

Even the titles of the chapters are proof to the author's patriarchal mentality; Part 4, Chapter 5; "let the other man save his face"
or Chapter 6; "How to spur men on to success".
And the Rules he states also completely ignore women; Rule 3; "Remember that a man's name is to him the sweetest and most important sound in any language".

The only women he ever mentions are someone's wife or mother and he doesn't even address the woman by name because her only relevance is her relation to some important man...

I know that the book was written in 1936 but still, it is absurd to pretend that men are the only people that matter and have the power and ability to lead a great life.
I am sure that if he was not patriarchal in his way of thinking, he could have found at least a few examples of successful and great women.

For this reason I cannot recommend this book in this day and age, it is too dated and will only cause women readers to feel inferior.

It has been some time since I have last read this book; however, I have read it multiple times and have recently decided to add a review.

Quick to the point, in my view, this book has been the most influencial book of my life. There is only one book that I can justifiably give this claim to, and this is it. Some of the more critical lessons learned in this book, while simple to apply, can easily have very profound results.

I will admit readily that much of the book is what one would consider obvious, yet it is puzzling that it is often human nature to be aware of obvious principals yet never apply them to one's benefit. Much of this book falls into that category and thus merely rehashing what should be obvious is of ample value, yet there is greater value to be obtained from the book.

One need only read through the section on persuasive letter writing to acquire a taste for the rich content of this book. It should be recognized that building a rationale based on another's point of view is not merely an instinctive skill. This approach requires practice followed by diligent effort to master. Carnegie clearly establishes himself as a true artist among his many samples displaying his persuasive skills. This chapter alone has permitted me to bring down the guard of many executives in the business world thus permitting my point of view consideration that otherwise would go unheard.

Carnegie spends considerable time speaking on the virtues of genuinely examining the mindset of those around you; to readily commit to understanding how others have come to their own conclusions. How profound is it to consider that no matter how much you disagree with another, that had you reasoned based on the full accumulation of the life experiences of another, it is quite logical to expect that you would have an entirely different point of view? I confess that I do not feel I possess the skills to adequately articulate this point; however, I want to emphasize that comprehension of this principal has changed my life over the last 15 years in momentous ways; a harmonious marriage, a very open and understanding mind, and even the skill set to continually gain access to minds of the most insular people.

To reiterate, I do no feel even at my best I can give this book proper justice. If you do read this book, be certain to look for this message, as I am not aware of a more influential concept available regarding human interaction.

All the best.

X

Apart from the title of this book, it is really great. I had several reactions from people when reading it, all negative. So what is it with this title? Actually, it is really 'How to sell with a bad title'. That's where our reviews come to the rescue!

This book is all about why people behave the way they do and what make friendships work. There are no shortcuts in friendship and although influence can be bought with money, this is not what this book is about.

So what is this book about? It's about opening your eyes to reality and understanding why we make friends and have influence. When you understand this, it certainly makes making friends and having influence easier. It does not guarantee, however, that you eventually have friends and influence.

Dale Carnegie's writings are fun and learnsome to read and are a really good help to anyone who wants to improve himself in having friends and influence. Let's hope I make you my friend when you read the book because of this review!

I read this book over 10 years ago and I have not found a better book on effective communications than this one.
The book is very precise in its advice, it goes straight to key issues in communications and really gives great advice in how to better relate to people and communicate more effectively, so you become a better communicator, get more people to colaborate with you and also become more polite.

This book was written in 1930's and I think is still the best book in the communications area so far. It is not a book just for people in the corporate world. This book is for anyone who has to relate to other human being: Husband, children, family members, boss, coworkers.

There is such a thing as sincere appreciation of another's good qualities and letting the person know it. This what Dale Carnegie had in mind.
On the other hand, you can flatter and take flattery too far. This is the usual criticism of this book. But that would in most cases be better than getting into an angry argument with a person or group. We have to get along with people, with our families, with our neighbors and in the business world.

There isnt too much to say other than this book is great. Very wise. Good values etc.

What happened to America? To produce such wisdom and now... It's laughable to even compare Abe Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin to current president, george w. bush(low caps on purpose).

BTW, there is more to this book than the title leads people to believe.

What can I say that hasn't already been said about this book. If you are in sales or have any kind of position where you deal with people you really need this. I put off reading it for many years because I thought I knew how to handle people. Boy was I surprised!

My grandfather gave me a 45 cent copy of this book when I got out of college almost thirty years ago. At that time, the copy he gave me was probably twenty or thirty years old. It changed everything about the way I dealt with people. Whatever success I have achieved, I owe at least in some part to Mr. Carnegie. I decided to re-read it on my Kindle, and it is as helpful and true today as it was when I first read it. I'm glad for the refresher. It is still the best book on personal relations I've ever read. Carnegie's folksy style and sometimes hokey stories make it an even more enjoyable read for me today than when I was a kid who "knew it all." Now if I can figure out a way to convince my son (a college freshman) to read it...

This book should be read and on everyones bookshelf worldwide.
90 percent of the people need this, and the ones that really dont, do read this.
This is the most important book on living with the right attitude.
Buy this book right away and read it regulary and live it and the world is yours.

Although this work is over 70 years old it is still a truly inspiring classic. If we all took heed of the lessons in the book we as a whole would be a better society. I used much of what I learned in and referenced to the book in my Masters Thesis.

Best wishes,
Donald Ryles PhD, CH
Author of Hidden Secrets of "Many, But One"

Excellent and inspiring to achieve higher grounds. The contents are like food that gives the reader energy to make a better person of themselves, be successful, work with people, get them to achieve objectives, establish friendly relations, be empathic and live a pleasant and peaceful life.

This is a great classic book teaching the tricks of the trade on the best way to communicate with people.

Great book to read for business as well as daily living. It just goes to show you that people still have the same needs, the book was written in 1936. Good to read several times a year.

This is the best written book ever and everyone should read it. I recommend it to my Students.

I was able to listen to this classic book while driving on a trip. The stories and examples happened years ago but the concepts are timeless.

When building a professional reference library, you have to start from the ground up. How to Win Friends and Influence people is the definitive work on forming beneficial business relationships - and treating people with respect in the process. I own the paperback and audio version. Audio is a better format for those of us with time management issues because it allows for listening in the car or plane. No matter your profession, if you work in a professional setting, you should own this book. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is another essential and should be in every professional's library along with a good business and social etiquette book like Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work, Essential Etiquette Fundamentals, Vol. 1: Dining Etiquette, and Essential Etiquette Fundamentals, Vol. 2: Wine Selection & Etiquette. These cover well the fundamentals of social and professional interaction.

You want to become a better person, keep or make friends this is for you!

I only read this book because someone chose it for my book club. I am typically very judgmental and cynical about business books, and typically find them self-satisfied and generally meaningless. THIS BOOK IS AN EXCEPTION. This is one of my favorite books and I will definitely read it over and over. Everything in here is common sense, but are things that people rarely put into practice, so it helps to have them pointed out (e.g., the sweetest sound to anyone is their own name, become genuinely interested in people, let other people do most of the talking). I strongly believe that this book is essential for anyone interested in enhancing relationships, whether personal or professional. The key is thinking about Carnegie's principals and applying them in your own way. As Carnegie stresses, this book is not about manipulating people to get what you want, or being schmoozing or being disingenuous. You have to be sincere when you apply what Carnegie sets out.

The book is separated into four areas: Fundamental Techniques in Handling People, How to Win People to Your Way of Thinking, Six Ways to Make People Like You, and Be a Leader. It must be said that following Carnegie's techniques will not instantly improve your life or make all of your relationships successful, but I don't believe that is his intent. Instead, I think the intent is to get readers thinking about how people really work and think, and how understanding this can help you enhance your relationships.

My only criticisms about this book are small. First, the book is a tiny bit dated (there are many references to older presidents and leaders, such as FDR, Lincoln, Coolidge, and Andrew Carnegie), but this doesn't really get in the way of the point, and is interesting for those who enjoy history. Second, I am the tiniest bit skeptical at how successful one might be at applying these principals in the more cynical modern world and have them work (I feel like some people may not be "immune" to them) or not be perceived as fake. Perhaps the secret is applying them in your own way, subtly, and, above all, sincerely.

I strongly recommend this book to everyone and anyone, and I want to tell you that these principals work if you make them your own.

I recently dusted this one off and re-read it for probably the fourth time now over the years. A truly timeless classic for developing effective communication skills, and steering people in the direction you want to further your sales and business career.

Mark Twain once said that a classic is a book everyone agrees is great but that nobody reads. You've probably heard of this book at least once in your life (usually in a satirical context) and never thought to read it. By all means, pick up a copy and read it cover to cover. For, despite the manipulative nature of its title, "How to Win Friends" is really a much-needed primer on how to be a pleasant person. All too often we speak but do not listen, and unless we hone our listening skills we stand little chance of either being agreeable company or persuade others. The entire book reminds us to listen more, and speak less.

This is a lesson that most of us need to relearn. I've worked in academia, the public sector, and the private sector. Many of us have been encouraged to believe that insulting people like Simon Cowell does or making snarky comments ala "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" is both witty and endearing. It isn't, and it could cost you valuable allies in the workplace. We've confused rudeness with assertiveness.

Anyone who has achieved any real success in the world knows the value of good communication and basic integrity, and this is what the book aims to teach. This is not a recipe for overnight success, but it does contain tools that become more valuable in time. In anything, given the selfish combative nature of much of contemporary society, this book deserves a wider readership. There are no tricks here to make people instantly like you, and this is not a compendium on how to lie and cheat your way to the top.

My version of the book is the 7Oth anniversary edition, and features some updated material. I've no idea what the original book's text read like in its entirety but even in its revised state, the language and examples are clearly from an earlier era. Those readers who are used to snappier contemporary writing may find this difficult. For me, Carnegie's leisurely and folksy retellings of anecdotes is very charming. My main caveat with this book is that its central premise only works if you, too, are dealing with an essentially honest and decent person who is not a raving egomaniac. Such a person will likely not be receptive to your best attempts to be nice and cooperative. Furthermore, there are many, many people for whom gratitude is fleeting; I doubt any of those people would remember you kindly because you showed them the courtesy of listening to them.

I strongly recommend this book as a college graduation present, and for yearly re-reading. I'm glad I bought my copy and wish I had started reading it 15 years ago. It's a worthwhile reading experience.

Peter Teiman Franklin here,
Immortal book on self-help.
Peter Teiman Franklin
Sweden

Mark Twain once said that a classic is a book everyone agrees is great but that nobody reads. You've probably heard of this book at least once in your life (usually in a satirical context) and never thought to read it. By all means, pick up a copy and read it cover to cover. For, despite the manipulative nature of its title, "How to Win Friends" is really a much-needed primer on how to be a pleasant person. All too often we speak but do not listen, and unless we hone our listening skills we stand little chance of either being agreeable company or persuade others. The entire book reminds us to listen more, and speak less.

Anyone who has achieved any real success in the world knows the value of good communication and basic integrity, and this is what the book aims to teach. This is not a recipe for overnight success, but it does contain tools that become more valuable in time. In anything, given the selfish nature of much of contemporary society, this book deserves a wider readership. There are no tricks here to make people instantly like you, and this is not a compendium on how to lie and cheat your way to the top.

My version of the book is the 7Oth anniversary edition, and features some updated material. I've no idea what the original book's text read like in its entirety but even in its revised state, the language and examples are clearly from an earlier era. Those readers who are used to snappier contemporary writing may find this difficult. For me, Carnegie's leisurely and folksy retellings of anecdotes is very charming. My main caveat with this book is that its central premise only works if you, too, are dealing with an essentially honest and decent person who is not a raving egomaniac. Such a person will likely not be receptive to your best attempts to be nice and cooperative.

I strongly recommend this book as a college graduation present, and for yearly re-reading. I'm glad I bought my copy and wish I had started reading it 15 years ago.

I bought this book for my husband who is a businessman and it has changed his life. Not only does this book give sound business advise, but it also gives great advise on cultivating other relationships in your life. Great Read.