How to Win Friends and Influence People

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I know. It's an oldie, but a goodie. I just read this. Twice in row, actually. It's very good, and judging from some of the posts I've read recently, I'd highly recommend it. Apparently, it's in the public domain, because there are tons of pdf copies floating around the web in plain sight. That's where I got mine.

Anyway, the read is very pleasant. It's compiled from a course the author once taught back in the 10s, 20s, and 30s. It reads like that--a compilation of lectures. I highly advise against reading just the summaries that he provides. It's tempting. And if you do, you're likely to dismiss his advice as common sense. I mean, it admittedly sounds like it at first, until it's in context of examples. Therein lies one of the problems of the book. Even the latest edition from the 80s is chock full of turn of the century references, like Nathaniel Disraeli and the Roosevelts.

What's the point of the book? The name says it all, but you shouldn't take it as a course on manipulation. It genuinely aims to teach you how to win friends and spread influence amicably and with integrity. It specifically advices against insincerity and flattery, for instance. One "warning" or caveat: this book has sold a massive number of copies historically, and it's pretty evident that it has influenced general behavior, at least in this country. Why is that a caveat? Because some of the bombshells the author drops are now commonly accepted practice. I suppose they weren't back then, but they are now.

It's a short, fun, (legally?) free read. If you're looking to level up your interpersonal relationships, give it a go.

(I liked it.)

 

[Hailey Knight]

(I liked it.)

 

[Tinwhistler]

If the publisher renewed the copyright, it won't fall into the pubilc domain until 2062 or thereabouts.

If they failed to renew the copyright, it is in the public domain.

 

[Cajungal]

A few people I know have recommended this to me. Couldn't hurt to check this out before I enter the professional world. Glad to know it's easy to find.

 

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Thanks TW, I stand corrected. I just guessed based on the ubiquity of the pdf copies out there (in plain sight and on normal websites). Good to know.

 

[Steve]

When I was in junior high I was painfully shy. I would walk hunched over with my head down, would not make eye contact with anyone nor would I engage in conversation. This was in and out of school. At church, at family get togethers, etc. My dad had read that book years earlier and bought it for me. After I got through the book it was night and day. The book gives you a blue print on how to interact with people. For someone who couldn't it was a god send. By the time I was a senior I ended up being voted funniest person in class and was at the center of every party. I can be dropped into any social setting and thrive. The secret of the book? Get people to talk about what they most want to talk about . . . themselves. They end up driving the conversation and all you have to do is ask a few follow up questions. The great thing is you really get to know people. For anyone who has issues blending into strange environments I would recommend it. (On a side note I also started lifting weights after I read the book and bulked up, which was the other piece of the puzzle that brought me out of my shell.)