Introduction
Empathy is a simplistic idea that we all declare we understand, but really we do not. Dale Carnegie would not only agree with my opening line he would also move to describe my use of the word but as negative and condescending and suggest the use of the word however instead. How to Win Friends and Influence People is a classic non-fiction book describing ways to better our people skills and increase our situational awareness as a means of obtaining what we desire from people.
According to studies described within Carnegie’s book only 15% of the financial success of an individual is the direct result of technical abilities. The remaining 85% stems from the ability to successfully understand and work with people. This book breaks the ideas of how to attain these skills into easy to follow ideas and principles.
The book contains four sections that attack the subject matter of human nature and desire head on. Dale used a refreshing mixture of stories and real life examples to help the reader understand the principles and see the overall benefit of implementation. Although this book was written in 1937, these principles and ideas still hold true today. Audience of this book This book is written in a very user friendly format utilizing multiple examples for each point Dale Carnegie is attempting to emphasize. This book would benefit all individuals that work with at least one other individual in their day to day operations. I would go so far as to say that this book would benefit the population as a whole because it is very difficult to lead a life that does not at minimum occasionally encounter people. This classic was written in the 1930’s and consequently has a hint of traditional formality and respect that is often not present in the world today. Although this book is decades old most would still benefit from the underlying teachings and lessons that Carnegie presents. I would