“Who gives a $^@# about quotes?”

Some of us love quotes, some of us hate them. Some of us quote anything and everything. Some of us fixate on growth mindset ones. Some of us quote D-list celebrity drivel.

Some people and companies base their whole marketing activity on quotes. Some of us find this rather annoying.

I’m not a big quoter, but from time to time when I come across a quote I believe will resonate with the people I want to connect with - I share it.

So why on earth have I decided to write an article that is loaded with quotes?

In short, I read a lot - great books, strategic ones, philosophical, sales, even some rubbish ones.

But I believe there are a handful of books that everyone should read at least once in their lives.

One book being, ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ by Dale Carnegie.

We’re all playing the game of life and spend lots of time dealing with humans. This is no walk in the park and is probably a good reason why we should all aim to get better at it.

Carnegie’s classic has stood the test of time for close to eighty years; its message is clearer than ever in a world drowning in technology and strained relationships.

Many of you will have read it, some of you maybe not.

I recently read ’How to Win Friends…’ for a second time and found myself scribbling down so many notes and quotes.

I felt compelled to share some of these with you. Many of the quotes are Dale’s, some are from people who changed our world, and others are from people just like you and me.

My hope is that this article might inspire a few of you to buy a copy or for others to get back on Dale’s horse. I assure you; you won’t regret it.

I offer no explanation or opinions to the following quotes. Interpret them as you like.

“One of the most neglected virtues of our daily existence is appreciation.”

“Let’s try to figure out why they do what they do. That’s a lot more profitable and intriguing than criticism and it breeds support, tolerance and kindness.”

“If you tell me how you get your feeling of importance, I’ll tell you what you are that determines your character. That is the most significant thing about you.”

“The world is full of people who are grabbing and self-seeking. So, the rare individual who unselfishly tries to serve others has an enormous advantage. He has little competition.”

“Most people don’t remember names for the simple reason that they don’t take the time and energy necessary to concentrate and repeat and fix names indelibly in their minds. They make excuses for themselves; they are too busy.”

“People who talk only of themselves think only of themselves.”

“I’ve come to the conclusion that there is only one way under high heaven to get the best out of an argument – and that is to avoid it. Avoid it as you would rattlesnakes and earthquakes. Nine times out of ten, an argument ends with each of the contestants more firmly convinced than ever that he is absolutely right.”

“There is a certain degree of satisfaction in having the courage to admit one’s errors. It’s not only clears the air of guilt and defensiveness, but often solves the problem created by the error.”

“I have never found that pay and pay alone would either bring together or hold good people. I think it was the game itself.”

“The untarnished truth is that almost all the people you meet feel themselves superior to you in some way. A sure way to their hearts is to let them know realise in some subtle way that you recognise their importance and recognise it sincerely.”

“To be interesting, be interested. Ask questions that other people will enjoy answering. Encourage them to talk about themselves and their accomplishments.”

“We nourish the bodies of our children, and friend and employees, but how seldom do we nourish their self-esteem?”

“If you and I will inspire the people with whom we come into contact to a realisation of the hidden treasures they possess, we can do far more than change people. We can literally transform them.”

“Asking questions, not only makes an order more palatable, it often stimulates the creativity of the person who you ask. People are more likely to accept an order if they have a part in the decision that caused the order to be issued.”

“It is nearly as difficult to listen to a recital of your faults if the person criticising begins by humbly admitting that he, too, is far from impeccable.”

“Why don’t we use praise instead of condemnation? Let us praise the slightest improvement. That inspires the other person to keep us improving.”

“Merely stating a truth isn’t enough. The truth has to be made vivid, interesting, dramatic. You have to use showmanship. The movies do it. Television does it. And you will have to do it if you want attention.”

“A person usually has two reasons for doing a thing – one that sounds good, and a real one.”

Thank you, Dale Carnegie, your spirit and works will live on forever.

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I could have added so many more quotations from the book, but I was mindful of drowning you.

If I’ve missed any quotes poignant to yourself – then please share.

And if you’ve read the book please add in the comments section how it has impacted your life. I’d love to hear from you.

And remember, “Knowledge isn’t power until it is applied.”Thanks to you for reading.