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Summary: It's a good book but it's old news...
Comment: Try something a little more relevant and practical. I suggest Sarah Shikitao-Brown's book, Tao Cycle Therapy: Natural Happiness via Self Directed Cure for Chronic Anxiety & Depression [Updated 2008 3nd Edition]
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Summary: It's called "CLASSIC" for a reason.
Comment: Since the end of World War II, literally thousands of books have been written about how to improve professionally and personally. Every single one of them can be traced directly back to two books, Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich" and this classic work of Dale Carnegie's, HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE.
Webster's Online dictionary defines "classic" as `serving a standard of excellence; historically memorable'. This book serves up the standard of excellence today as it did when it was first published and is definitely historically memorable. It's quite possible that Napoleon Hill and Dale Carnegie have positively influenced more lives than any other writer's and their influence continues long after they've left this earth.
Some may consider this book outdated, and thanks to our public school system, many of the historical figures of the early twentieth century that are mentioned here will be unknown to many readers. But consider this an opportunity not just to begin building a life of success, but to gain a brief introduction to some of the industrial giants and other notable business people of a century ago. These are, after all, the people who helped shape the modern era of our great country.
There are certainly a wealth of great modern day teachers who might make some of this material more meaningful to today's reader. Stephen Covey, Brian Tracy, Jack Canfield and many others come to mind. I certainly recommend you study the modern day gurus of success and life enhancement, but if your goal is to improve your business or personal life, your library simply must include this book. This is one of those books you will go back and re-read every couple of years and if you're like me, you'll recall its many lessons on a daily basis.
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Summary: The First and Best Relationship and Communication Book You Should Read
Comment: The most essential skill to success is mastering the art of relationships. This classic book shows you how to create genuine relationships with people so that you may take power and responsibility of your life. Anyone who wants to succeed with people must master the strategies and techniques within this book.
This is the first book of its kind. It's wise to learn from the original source that everyone else is just rewriting and regurgitating.
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Summary: Do you have influence?
Comment: Originally published in 1936, How to Win Friends and Influence People is the archetype of the practical human relations handbook. It is based on courses in public speaking that had been taught in adult education by Dale Carnegie since 1912 (and to put to rest a popular assumption, he was no relation to the magnate Andrew Carnegie). It is an unusual little book, written in a highly personalized, colloquial style that is reminiscent of a lecture.What's separates this book from others that have come and gone since the 1930s is it's timeless. It is written with a certain earnestness: Carnegie was a big believer in sincerity when it came to dealing with other people. As you read it, you'll find it incredible how easily you relate to the suggestions of a man that penned them more than 70 years ago.
The book opens with fundamental techniques for dealing with people, such as refraining from criticism, expressing sincere appreciation, making people like you by smiling, remembering names, and being a good listener. Final sections describe approaches for persuading people to your way of thinking and how to change people without causing offense or resentment. These positive principles are stated succinctly and illustrated with pertinent, if occasionally outmoded, anecdotes.
While critics have charged that Carnegie emphasized good manners and friendliness over proficiency, the author clearly states that his target audience is competent individuals who are less than successful because they lack people skills, a group that would be well served by his sensible guidance. This book was designed with professionals in mind, and designed to help professional people do better in business by helping them make social contacts and improve their speaking skills. I know that few books have helped me in my career as much as this one.
Another book I very strongly recommend because it's an incredible pairing to Carnegie that has helped me immensely is The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book
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Summary: Classic!
Comment: Always wanted to read this classic and now I have. I think I'll post his "tips" all around to remind myself of how to handle various situations with people!
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