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Self-Help Messiah: Dale Carnegie and Success in Modern America
Dale Carnegie was born to a poor family in rural Missouri. He tried his hand at various sales jobs, and his failure to convince his customers to buy eventually became the fuel behind his future glory. He quickly discovered something was amiss in American education and in the ways businesspeople related to each other. What he discovered was as simple as it was profound: understanding people's needs and desires is paramount in any successful enterprise. Carnegie conceived How to Win Friends and Influence People to help people learn to relate to one another and enrich their lives through effective communication. His success was extraordinary.
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First published September 25, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 25, 2014
I've loved listening to "Self Help Messiah: Dale Carnegie and Success in Modern America," by Steven Watts (Other Press, 2013). Five stars. This is the story behind the man who wrote the huge bestseller during the 1930s, "How to Win Friends and Influential People." The book has sold millions and it was just what the doctor ordered for people feeling down and out during the Great Depression. Yet it has value today. I've listened to it on audiobook and found it offering lots of good advice, such as the importance of remembering people's names, showing interest in what the other person likes, etc. I have a series of opposite titles at my home (such as "Rising Asia" and "Falling Asia")....and I have a spoof on Carnegie's famous book. It's called "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People." It's almost as interesting as the original, and a funny title. In any case, the biography brings Dale Carnegie to life as a man who abandoned his parent's Christian religion, a public speaker, a failed actor, a failed used car salesman, a failed marriage to a gal names Lolita, a bum traveling through Europe, but then an incredible success in New York with his Carnegie Institute. It really helped that Norman Thomas one of his students. BTW, he was no relation to Andrew Carnegie. I believe the self-help movement is uniquely American, starting with Ben Franklin and Horatio Alger. Now there is a whole section in bookstores devoted to self help and self improvement.
December 10, 2013
I have long been interested in the "guru" business and its various subareas, whether concerned with management consulting or individual self-help. My interest is largely fueled by skepticism about the tension between the provision of general advice that is valuable to an actor and the need for any such device to be customized so that it fits with an individual's situation and addresses a particular individuals needs and requirements. Balancing generality and specificity for advice on important topics (and for a fee) strikes me as an exercise in "squaring the circle" that poses fundamental logical issues. Whenever one encounters an instance where such efforts at advice and guidance are hugely success, such as with Carnegie, it peaks my interest motivates me to find out why.
This is why I wanted to read Steven Watts' new biography of Dale Carnegie. The bio is organized around the publication of Carnegie's book, "How to win friends and influence people". Watts first covers Carnegie's life up to 1936, including his education and work experience, his development of his public speaking course, and his initial efforts at publishing his core ideas. The book, its popular and critical reception, and its impact on Carnegie are then covered. The last part of the book covers Carnegie's later career until his death in 1955.
On the positive side, the book was easy to read and Carnegie's early life was interesting. I also think that Watts did a good job of placing Carnegie's ideas in the context of broader developments in psychology and American culture. Watts was especially effective at identifying the different sources for Carnegie's ideas of self-confidence, positive thinking, constructive engagement with others, and pursuit of happiness and material well being. These ideas are still common in American pop culture today (look at Oprah Winfrey - also noted by the author) and it is easy to forget that these ideas were not always as common as they are now.
On the negative side, it was difficult to identify what the author thought of his subject. When recounting Carnegie's early life, it is clear that his is going from Carnegie's own accounts and the book reads as an example of a "success tract" when the successful outcome is already known and the story told to make the outcome seem more certain than it was at the time. The text is also sprinkled with testimonials from individuals who took the Carnegie course over the years, even though it is clear from the book that the basis of these testimonials as evidence was not clear. Indeed, the biography notes times at which Carnegie was criticized when some key testimonials were found to be more constructed than was originally presented. Are testimonials really useful in a book about someone who gained great success and wealth by selling his books and courses on the basis of such testimonials? While sections of the book sound like hagiography, there are other sections in which Mr. Watts lets the critics of Carnegie (and there were many) off the leash, with a result that the shallowness of his book and the suspicion that it was just manipulative pop psychology are brought clear to the fore as fundamental criticisms. So I am left bouncing back and forth between overdone positivity (as if the bio was following the Carnegie formula for positivity) and highly negative critiques that would place Carnegie more in the tradition of con men than anywhere else in American pop culture. I think the author was more positive than not towards Carnegie but the book would have been more effective if his perspective had been made clearer to readers - who can certainly judge for themselves.
Overall, the book was a bit too long for its content and the last part of the story is less engaging than the first part. There is not doubt, however, that Carnegie's influence was and remains huge in a wide range of areas. That makes it worthwhile to know more about his life. Mr. Watts' book is a good source of such knowledge.
--- As a final note, I read "How to win friends and influence people" a long time ago but reread it while going through this biography. This is not really necessary, however, and Watts provides more than enough information about the book to know what is going on, so a reader should not worry if they have not read it in advance of the bio.
This is why I wanted to read Steven Watts' new biography of Dale Carnegie. The bio is organized around the publication of Carnegie's book, "How to win friends and influence people". Watts first covers Carnegie's life up to 1936, including his education and work experience, his development of his public speaking course, and his initial efforts at publishing his core ideas. The book, its popular and critical reception, and its impact on Carnegie are then covered. The last part of the book covers Carnegie's later career until his death in 1955.
On the positive side, the book was easy to read and Carnegie's early life was interesting. I also think that Watts did a good job of placing Carnegie's ideas in the context of broader developments in psychology and American culture. Watts was especially effective at identifying the different sources for Carnegie's ideas of self-confidence, positive thinking, constructive engagement with others, and pursuit of happiness and material well being. These ideas are still common in American pop culture today (look at Oprah Winfrey - also noted by the author) and it is easy to forget that these ideas were not always as common as they are now.
On the negative side, it was difficult to identify what the author thought of his subject. When recounting Carnegie's early life, it is clear that his is going from Carnegie's own accounts and the book reads as an example of a "success tract" when the successful outcome is already known and the story told to make the outcome seem more certain than it was at the time. The text is also sprinkled with testimonials from individuals who took the Carnegie course over the years, even though it is clear from the book that the basis of these testimonials as evidence was not clear. Indeed, the biography notes times at which Carnegie was criticized when some key testimonials were found to be more constructed than was originally presented. Are testimonials really useful in a book about someone who gained great success and wealth by selling his books and courses on the basis of such testimonials? While sections of the book sound like hagiography, there are other sections in which Mr. Watts lets the critics of Carnegie (and there were many) off the leash, with a result that the shallowness of his book and the suspicion that it was just manipulative pop psychology are brought clear to the fore as fundamental criticisms. So I am left bouncing back and forth between overdone positivity (as if the bio was following the Carnegie formula for positivity) and highly negative critiques that would place Carnegie more in the tradition of con men than anywhere else in American pop culture. I think the author was more positive than not towards Carnegie but the book would have been more effective if his perspective had been made clearer to readers - who can certainly judge for themselves.
Overall, the book was a bit too long for its content and the last part of the story is less engaging than the first part. There is not doubt, however, that Carnegie's influence was and remains huge in a wide range of areas. That makes it worthwhile to know more about his life. Mr. Watts' book is a good source of such knowledge.
--- As a final note, I read "How to win friends and influence people" a long time ago but reread it while going through this biography. This is not really necessary, however, and Watts provides more than enough information about the book to know what is going on, so a reader should not worry if they have not read it in advance of the bio.
April 25, 2014
A more interesting life than I had anticipated, told in a generally engaging, readable style. The analysis of How to Win Friends & Influence People was overly long, and perhaps the author attributes a little more of today's culture to Carnegie than is warranted, but as his book is still in high demand today, perhaps not.
June 26, 2014
I guess years ago I may have read Carnegie's famous work "How to Win Friends and Influence People", though I can't say I remember much about it other than keep a positive attitude with a lot of enthusiasm, and have a smile on your face. Simple stuff in reality but effective enough that it made Carnegie famous, a fortune, and an organization the exists to this day. This book covers Carnegie's life in overall a positive light treading a couple of times on his foibles in his personal life. It got boring at times as it delves into the development of his methodologies over his long career. But it also provided a lot of food for thought in how individuals over the years have been able to spin a viewpoint on achieving success in life that so taps into what people crave. There is a fine line between achieving success and manipulation in this realm but it can be argued that Carnegie by and large did a lot of good for a lot of people.
February 7, 2014
I've read a lot of non-fiction books lately that feel like magazine articles that have been padded to book size. This is more of the same. Carnegie's life and personal history are fascinating, but not fascinating enough to fill 500 pages.
October 29, 2020
I, like many of you have taken the Dale Carnegie Course. Even if you haven’t taken it, you likely know something about it and know someone who has. Also like me, you may have read one or more of his famous books, the most famous of which is How to Win Friends and Influence People.
It helps that the books are given out in the popular class.
But what do you know about this man who a course is named after?
Before I read this book, I knew some because I read an earlier biography, but I learned much from this well-written and documented book.
Read more...
It helps that the books are given out in the popular class.
But what do you know about this man who a course is named after?
Before I read this book, I knew some because I read an earlier biography, but I learned much from this well-written and documented book.
Read more...
January 3, 2021
The author is a history prof and seasoned biographer. The book is well structured and paints a vivid portrait of the times.
The author argues that Carnegie was emblematic of a cultural shift away from “character” (self reliance, hard work, thrift, etc) and towards “personality” (communication, attitude, interests, etc), as a result of urbanization, economic growth, increasing diversity of consumer products, etc.
The author argues that Carnegie was emblematic of a cultural shift away from “character” (self reliance, hard work, thrift, etc) and towards “personality” (communication, attitude, interests, etc), as a result of urbanization, economic growth, increasing diversity of consumer products, etc.
November 8, 2019
Excelente livro. Steven Watts descreve com imparcialidade e relatando fatos relevantes da vida de Dale de forma sucinta e eficaz. Mas, um alerta, não compre esse livro pensando que este é um resumo de todas as teorias de Dale. É um livro sobre sua trajetória de vida, com algumas menções a suas teorias.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2025
One of the pioneers of self-help.
He loved teaching, reading and writing/ and he followed his dreams to create a massive influence and impact on the world.
He inspires me to follow my dreams of teaching, reading and writing!
He loved teaching, reading and writing/ and he followed his dreams to create a massive influence and impact on the world.
He inspires me to follow my dreams of teaching, reading and writing!
February 4, 2018
A fascinating look at the life of Dale Carnegie. Gives an excellent view of the Depression Era and why "How to Win Friends and Influence People" was so successful.
September 24, 2019
Me ha parecido muy interesante y bien documentado.
June 14, 2015
I really have mixed emotions about this audiobook therefore a three star is the best I'm willing to give this at the time.
I guess I was expecting a biography, the book had many biographical features, but it seemed like the author chose to highlight mainly the issues that cause the reader to question Carnegie's character.
For the majority of the book I truly felt the author was looking to discredit Carnegie as a fraud and a hypocrite. I have no doubt that much of what the author chose to write about (affair & illegitimate child with married woman, keeping secrets from wife, marriage & divorce, worship of money, etc) but the way the author presented the information it showed this as "THE ONLY SIDE" to Dale Carnegie.
Again for almost the entirety of this book I thought that the author was "slamming" Carnegie.....Until you get to the Epilogue where the author gives Carnegie full credit for today's self-help movement.
I am so confused - not sure if the author painted the "ugly picture" of Carnegie to sell books, to show how even the master of self help didn't always do it right himself, or what?
From an audiobook standpoint the narration was poor. Although the narrator's voice was ok, the editing was not. The mixing would go from one sound to another that was obviously recorded at a different time and then back.
I guess I was expecting a biography, the book had many biographical features, but it seemed like the author chose to highlight mainly the issues that cause the reader to question Carnegie's character.
For the majority of the book I truly felt the author was looking to discredit Carnegie as a fraud and a hypocrite. I have no doubt that much of what the author chose to write about (affair & illegitimate child with married woman, keeping secrets from wife, marriage & divorce, worship of money, etc) but the way the author presented the information it showed this as "THE ONLY SIDE" to Dale Carnegie.
Again for almost the entirety of this book I thought that the author was "slamming" Carnegie.....Until you get to the Epilogue where the author gives Carnegie full credit for today's self-help movement.
I am so confused - not sure if the author painted the "ugly picture" of Carnegie to sell books, to show how even the master of self help didn't always do it right himself, or what?
From an audiobook standpoint the narration was poor. Although the narrator's voice was ok, the editing was not. The mixing would go from one sound to another that was obviously recorded at a different time and then back.
March 24, 2016
How many of us are not familiar with "How to Win Friends and Influence People"? And yet, how many of us can truthfully say that we apply the wisdom and insightful principles to be found in our daily lives and life's situations? Have you ever wondered who this remarkable man really was or how did he arrive at his philosophy and common sense principals? How well did he succeed in practicing what he preached in his own life? Steven Watts, biographer of twentieth century cultural icons such as Walt Disney and Hugh Hefner should be well qualified to introduce us to Mr. Carnegie. I am tempted to report that the book is plodding and repetitive, but as Dale Carnegie has cautioned us to eschew complaining and criticizing, I'll abstain.
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June 21, 2015A must read !
Wonderful book. It captures in detail the evolution of Dale Carnegie from a Missouri farm boy to the most influential self help legend in American history. Details of his private life and analysis of the major principles in his famous books and public speaking teachings are discussed. This is a must read for anyone who is interested in self-help materials and especially benefited from reading a book by Dale Carnegie.
Wonderful book. It captures in detail the evolution of Dale Carnegie from a Missouri farm boy to the most influential self help legend in American history. Details of his private life and analysis of the major principles in his famous books and public speaking teachings are discussed. This is a must read for anyone who is interested in self-help materials and especially benefited from reading a book by Dale Carnegie.
February 5, 2015
Walking the talk
Very informative and compelling bio from a founding father of personal development and the author of the best human relations book ever. Nice to know he walked his talk and never let his guru status go over his head.
Very informative and compelling bio from a founding father of personal development and the author of the best human relations book ever. Nice to know he walked his talk and never let his guru status go over his head.
Want to read
May 15, 2014I didn't finish as of today. The writer likes to repeat info, it is as if this is a collection of articles rolled into a book.
September 30, 2015
Very interesting story for the most part. Learned many things I did not know about Carnegie. Unfortunately there were some long descriptive sections on very minor subjects in his life.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews