Personal Development for Smart People^TM Forums

Blake30 · 08-08-2007, 03:12 PM

Forgive me if this topic has been discussed lately. But I just bought a copy of Dale Carnegie's book, How to Win Friends and Influence People.

In my opinion, this is such a fantastic book. It makes a lot of sense, and is an easy read. I give this book my highest praise, as I've already used some of the techniques discussed in the book, and they are already working very well for me.

For those of you that have read the book, have you found it as helpful as I have?

Amanda Norris · 08-08-2007, 06:10 PM

I just read it last week, so I haven't had much opportunity to put the suggestions into practice that much, but it does make a lot of sense. Just smiling more can make a big difference in how people react to you.

Shamou · 08-08-2007, 08:32 PM

First book I ever read on the subject of PD... a fantastic and "must read" book for everyone...

Now, if only I could get myself to practice what I know...

Here is a summary of the book...
.

Brad Isaac · 08-08-2007, 09:06 PM

That was one of the first Self Development books I read. It is not only a helpful book, it is fun to read.

alexinspire · 08-08-2007, 11:36 PM

That was a totally great book. It doesn't give us shallow knowledge and tips but really go down to the basics and the foundation of human being. It's fun and every piece of knowledge really create good results in my relationships!

Blake30 · 08-08-2007, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amanda Norris

I just read it last week, so I haven't had much opportunity to put the suggestions into practice that much, but it does make a lot of sense. Just smiling more can make a big difference in how people react to you.

That is definitely true. Just today, I went into a place with a huge smile, and sure, some people looked at me like I was crazy. But there was a female who was rather fond of my smile, and we talked for a good length of time. The smile really works.

Ree · 08-09-2007, 12:55 AM

[QUOTE=Blake30;98579The smile really works.[/QUOTE]

Don't you find it odd that we need a book to tell us this????

Amadeus · 08-09-2007, 01:13 AM

It is a good book and does work. However I find it a little superficial. Eventually people will figure you out and realize you are just speaking fluff to them. As I've gotten older I realized I don't need to make friends of people I have to inflate all the time.

Blake30 · 08-09-2007, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ree

Don't you find it odd that we need a book to tell us this????

I find it very odd. But, it's seems to be the realistic truth. I'm angry that I didn't catch on until I read this book. Some people immediately understand this concept I suppose, but for others, it seems like it takes a book to drive home the concept.

Mark Lapierre · 08-10-2007, 04:02 AM

I didn't like it. I expected a lot more than common sense and the basics of good interpersonal relationships. The many simplistic examples also gave me nothing. There was no ambiguity in the anecdotal situations Carnegie used to illustrate his points. Life isn't so clear cut.

That said, I think it'll serve as a good reminder during those times when I find social interaction not going my way. I also know that I could do a lot better at influencing people, but I've never had a problem with making friends, and rarely have a need to influence people. So ultimately the book isn't all that relevant to me at this point in time (nor was it when I read it a few months ago).

Shamou · 08-10-2007, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Lapierre

and rarely have a need to influence people.

Mark, I usually find your opinions to be excellent and very full of wisdom... but, in this one specific case... I must strongly disagree with you...

Not a day goes by that we do not have to influence people... that is unless one wants to be a total outcast...

Influencing people does not simply mean trying to change people's mind... it also means earning and keeping their approval and willingness to accept our way of seeing things...

Maybe you did not learn anything new in Carnegie's book... but it is still full of basic tenets necessary to deal effectively with people...
.

08-08-2007, 03:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
Blake30 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 10	How to Win Friends and Influence People Forgive me if this topic has been discussed lately. But I just bought a copy of Dale Carnegie's book, How to Win Friends and Influence People. In my opinion, this is such a fantastic book. It makes a lot of sense, and is an easy read. I give this book my highest praise, as I've already used some of the techniques discussed in the book, and they are already working very well for me. For those of you that have read the book, have you found it as helpful as I have?

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08-08-2007, 06:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
Amanda Norris Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Vancouver BC, Canada Posts: 39	I just read it last week, so I haven't had much opportunity to put the suggestions into practice that much, but it does make a lot of sense. Just smiling more can make a big difference in how people react to you.

08-08-2007, 08:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
Shamou Banned Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Quebec, Canada Posts: 3,811	First book I ever read on the subject of PD... a fantastic and "must read" book for everyone... Now, if only I could get myself to practice what I know... Here is a summary of the book... .

08-08-2007, 09:06 PM	#4 (permalink)
Brad Isaac Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 49	That was one of the first Self Development books I read. It is not only a helpful book, it is fun to read.

08-08-2007, 11:36 PM	#5 (permalink)
alexinspire Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 103	That was a totally great book. It doesn't give us shallow knowledge and tips but really go down to the basics and the foundation of human being. It's fun and every piece of knowledge really create good results in my relationships!

08-09-2007, 12:55 AM	#7 (permalink)
Ree Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 632	[QUOTE=Blake30;98579The smile really works.[/QUOTE] Don't you find it odd that we need a book to tell us this????

08-09-2007, 01:13 AM	#8 (permalink)
Amadeus Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 410	It is a good book and does work. However I find it a little superficial. Eventually people will figure you out and realize you are just speaking fluff to them. As I've gotten older I realized I don't need to make friends of people I have to inflate all the time.

08-10-2007, 04:02 AM	#10 (permalink)
Mark Lapierre Family Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 1,061	I didn't like it. I expected a lot more than common sense and the basics of good interpersonal relationships. The many simplistic examples also gave me nothing. There was no ambiguity in the anecdotal situations Carnegie used to illustrate his points. Life isn't so clear cut. That said, I think it'll serve as a good reminder during those times when I find social interaction not going my way. I also know that I could do a lot better at influencing people, but I've never had a problem with making friends, and rarely have a need to influence people. So ultimately the book isn't all that relevant to me at this point in time (nor was it when I read it a few months ago).

Personal Development for Smart PeopleTM Forums

Personal Development for Smart People^TM Forums