Inspiring Quotes on Friendship and Influence from Dale Carnegie
The 1936 self-help book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie is one of the best-selling books of all time, filled with timeless advice on improving relationships and persuading others.
Though published over 80 years ago, Carnegie’s principles and techniques remain highly relevant in business, leadership, and everyday interpersonal communications. His wisdom on understanding human psychology and motivation helps explain why his advice has stood the test of time.
Below are 33 insightful quotes from Carnegie’s classic work on how to collaborate and connect with people more effectively by focusing on their needs and wants. From listening sincerely to avoiding arguments, these principles highlight the power of positivity, empathy, and consideration in winning over even the most skeptical individuals.
The quotes capture the essence of Carnegie’s people-centered philosophy that continues to inspire stronger social bonds and mutually beneficial interactions.
Here are the best quotes from Dale Carnegie’s book “How to Win Friends and Influence People”:
- “Don’t criticize, condemn or complain.”
- “Give honest and sincere appreciation.”
- “Arouse in the other person an eager want.”
- “Become genuinely interested in other people.”
- “Smile.”
- “Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.”
- “Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.”
- “Talk in terms of the other person’s interests.”
- “Make the other person feel important – and do it sincerely.”
- “The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it.”
- “Show respect for the other person’s opinions. Never say, ‘You’re wrong.'”
- “If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.”
- “Begin in a friendly way.”
- “Get the other person saying ‘yes, yes’ immediately.”
- “Let the other person do a great deal of the talking.”
- “Let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers.”
- “Try honestly to see things from the other person’s point of view.”
- “Be sympathetic with the other person’s ideas and desires.”
- “Appeal to the nobler motives.”
- “Dramatize your ideas.”
- “Throw down a challenge.”
- “Begin with praise and honest appreciation.”
- “Call attention to people’s mistakes indirectly.”
- “Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person.”
- “Be hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise.”
- “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”
- “Any fool can criticize, complain, and condemn—and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.”
- “The only way to get people to like you is to be genuinely interested in them.”
- “Talk to someone about themselves and they’ll listen for hours.”
- “The only way to get ahead in this world is to give people what they want.”
- “The only way to get people to do what you want is to make them want to do it.”
- “Be a good listener.”
- “Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain.”
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