by Glenn Magas

Created on: August 27, 2009

This book was first published in 1937, and although the concepts may be 'old school' they still have valid and viable working applications for today. This is a business book classic and reading it several times in your lifetime should be a high priority.

As the book suggests, read through it, then read through it again.

This is, by far, one of the most important books an individual should read to improve both personal and business relationships. Dale Carnegie exhibits techniques through a myriad of personal stories; he anecdotes historical figures, leaders of generations, as well as successful leaders in business. He presents examples of how the basic fundamentals of each of his principles will work in everyone's daily life.

It is important to note that the concepts are many, and creating the habits takes a lot of work. Yes, they may seem common sense, but Carnegie verbalizes them so that we can conceptualize the techniques and apply them immediately.

How many times do we criticize people on a daily basis or complain about someone? How often do we forget people's names, or talk about our own interests instead of someone else's? How many times do we talk before we listen? Do we need to smile more? Do you praise someone daily?

Sure, all the above are common sense "DOs & DON'Ts", but how often are we on the "DON'Ts" side of things? "How to win Friends and Influence people" will help readers to create those life long habits on the "DOs" list and begin a better relationship with everyone they know or meet in life.

Here is a summary of the principles found in the book.

Fundamental Techniques in Handling People
Principle 1: Don't criticize, condemn or complain.
Principle 2: Give honest and sincere appreciation.
Principle 3: Arouse in the other person an eager want.

Six Ways to Make People Like You
Principle 1: Become genuinely interested in other people.
Principle 2: Smile.
Principle 3: Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
Principle 4: Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
Principle 5: Talk in terms of the other person's interests.
Principle 6: Make the other person feel important - and do it sincerely.

Win People to Your Way of Thinking
Principle 1: The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it.
Principle 2: Show respect for the other person's opinions. Never say, "You're wrong."
Principle 3: If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.
Principle 4: Begin in a friendly

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