How to Win Friends and Influence People

I have read this book three times, and Carnegie’s art of writing has proved to be illustrative, uncomplicated, and succinct. His points are drawn from historical proofs and narratives of his students. I think as an expert in handling human relations, Carnegie thoroughly understood how to bring his readers straight to the points by showing them exponential achievements in others’ life and career by small changes in everyday attitudes.

Though his advice sounds simple, honestly speaking, I think Carnegie is one of the rare people who has gone the closest to the universal truth when it comes to the psychology of building positive relationships. At the same time, however, I found some values proposed in the book crashed with mine. I absolutely acknowledge the indispensable prerequisite that our words and compliments should sincerely come from our hearts, not fake flatteries in dealing with people. Frankly, I feel like modern people no longer feel obligated to return the kind of kindness the book urges us to give away.

Three times reading the book, and my impression changes every time. This time when I closed the book, I don’t get the feeling of excitement I used to have before. I think somehow I  have grown up a bit and understand a bit more about the complexity of modern human relationships.

Anyway, this old legendary book is full of solid-foundation advice, and I believe we all should start from here.