An oldie but a goodie, this book has been in print for over seventy years and yet the advice within its pages is still as current as if it was written today. Why is this the case? Because as much as the world itself has changed, people have fundamentally remained the same. Our personalities, instincts and desires are no different now than in any other decade.
Dealing with people is one of the biggest challenges we all face whether in our homes, with our families, in social situations or at work. If we can understand how to use our common sense and social abilities to win people over, life will become much easier. We all know how difficult it can be to live in the same space with others, to get along with our siblings or families, to work co-operatively with others or to be a good leader. Can these skills be taught? Can reading a simple book change our ability to deal with people?
Carnegie attempts to do just that by teaching us how to make people like you, how to win people to your way of thinking, and how to change people without giving offense or arousing resentment. As in How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, each chapter ends with a reminder of the fundamental principles. The book even begins with a guide including nine suggestions on how to read the book in order to ensure that learning occurs and that changes are possible.
As Thomas Edison once said, "Success is 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration." Even if this book inspires the reader to change, hard work is still involved to ensure these changes are implemented, reviewed and mastered. Only then will we truly Win Friends and Influence People.
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