Years ago, my boss and friend recommended Dale Carnegie’s “How To Win Friends & Influence People“. It was the classic edition and I really did enjoyed it. Dale Carnegie’s book was filled with wise counsel for those people, who needed to learn some very important social communication skills.
I would soon learn that Dale’s book is one of the most recommended book for people, who seek to be successful in business or any other areas of life. For me, it gave some useful tips for handling conflicts and communication.
Dale’s “How To Win Friends and Influence People” was written in 1937. Did you know this venerable classic has been updated to take on the challenge of today’s society and the Internet.
Truly, there is nothing new under the sun is a proverb from Ecclesiastes 1:9. There is a more modern saying that echoes the exact sentiment, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Good communication skills never goes out of style.
What is this book about? How does one apply Dale’s tactic and ideas in an age of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media?
My review of Dale’s book is based on the electronic version of “How To Win Friends and Influence People In the Digital Age“. It seems fitting that I should read this venerable classic on my tablet’s Kindle application.
I can readily see that the book has been updated to address today’s needs. Simon & Schuster did a great job of incorporating a lot of current events to support Dale’s points about good communication. The book is copyrighted by Donna Dale Carnegie in 2011.
When I originally read the classic version, I had a few questions. Who is this guy? What does he have to say? It became clear that the man wrote his book from a business perspective. “How should I conduct myself?” Naturally, Dale’s advice would transcend into other areas of life.
For this updated book, I had a different goal in mind. There are plenty of good book reviews on Dale’s book. Undoubtedly, they are written from a secular perspective. This is not a bad thing, if it’s done honestly and fairly.
For me, I wanted to review the book from a Christian perspective. Of course, it is colored by my own understanding of Scripture. First, I would recommend the book. I’d not bother, if it was not worth it. What did I discover?
On Saturday, I spent a few hours immersed in this book. I have traveled the Internet, for years. I can certain attest to some of the practical wisdom found in this book. For me, the book merely repeated what I’ve read in my Bible and elsewhere.
For one, it really is helpful to be quick to listen, slow to talk and slow to be angry. On the Internet, people have a natural tendency to give knee jerk reactions to what they read or see on the Internet. If they’re using an alias, then it becomes a lot easier.
It doesn’t have to be this way. The author offered some very good tips and you can start with “Burying the Boomerangs”. As I read through the book, I could hear echoes of Scriptures in the back of my mind. They were mostly confirming what Dale is saying.
Is this a Christian book? No. It was never written in such a manner. Though it’s clear that someone spent time in the Word of God. If interested, I’d give the following advice when reading a self help book like Dale’s.
First, I would encourage you to ask God, the Father for wisdom. Ask Jesus, “What is your take on this?” Be open to what the Holy Spirit is saying. Have you not read James 1:5
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Let the Word of God be the Light for examining any pearls of wisdom. If it agrees then you’re on a good path; however, I wouldn’t be hasty. Don’t be afraid to question Dale’s book.
Are Dale’s advice perfect for everyone? No, Dale is a wonderfully fallible human being. He’s trying to help his readers, by offering what is hopefully good advice. Give thoughts and ask some questions.
I hope this book review is helpful. It’s only my second book review. I’d like to do more reviews. How can I improve my book reviews? What are you looking for, in a review? I’d appreciate your feedback. If you’d like, please leave a comment in the comment section, below.
Have a blessed day!
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