Dale Carnegie Still 'Winning Friends'

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - In the midst of the nation's great depression, 1936, Dale Carnegie's book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, sold a million copies. He believed Puritan diligence and rectitude were no longer the secrets for success; but it was the force of your personality...friendship and persuasion and the impression you made.

In his new book, Self-Help Messiah, Steven Watt says the response to Carnegie was overwhelmingly satisfying. But, the more popular he became, the more he was belittled.

In the eyes of his detractors, he equated fineness of character with the ability to make money. Pleasing others was the secret of great wealth. Philip Delves Broughton in The Wall Street Journal review, says what shines through the book, however, is improving the lives of those who struggle.

Carnegie offers positive testimony from employees and students and whatever snobs thought, he has a huge number of fans.

How to Win Friends... is still sold at Barnes & Noble!