REVIEW: How to Win Friends and Influence People

A classic book by Dale Carnegie

Upon considering whether to read this classic self-help/business book originally written in 1936, I had three main concerns: First, how applicable would it be to today’s cultures and practices? Second, how pertinent would it be to me in my non-business world profession? Third, would I struggle to stay awake through what I assumed would be rather dry text?

My concerns were unfounded on all three counts. The book has continued to be updated since Carnegie’s passing – initially by his wife and then by colleagues and successors. It still retains many of the charming allusions to President Lincoln and other captains of industry from a long-gone age, but there are many modern examples and references to current technologies and practices as well. Virtually every chapter was filled with practical advice that I found could be applied to my profession, marriage, family, friends, church, and on and on. Every point was expanded on through use of clever quotations and many, many examples. Statistics were sparse, but useful. I found myself frequently and positively comparing it to Malcolm Gladwell’s writings. It has been a while since the rage of the Carnegie courses of the 60’s and 70’s, but this book is still quite relevant and surprisingly enjoyable.

— Darryl Woods, Main Library, Charleston, S.C.

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