Dale Carnegie

From Missouri Farm Boy to Father of Modern Self-Help

education business
Dale Carnegie

Net Worth

$10M

Born

November 24, 1888 (died age 67)

Country

United States

Occupation

Author, Lecturer, Self-Improvement Pioneer

Gender

male

Generation

Greatest Generation

Marital Status

married

Children

1

Single Parent Household

No

Education

Bachelor's

University

State Teachers College in Warrensburg, Missouri

Industries

education, business

Wealth Category

multi-millionaire

Wealth Origin

self-made

First-Gen Wealth

Yes

Overcame

  • Grew up in poverty on a Missouri farm
  • Parents lost their savings in a bank failure
  • Failed as a salesman and actor before finding his calling
  • Had to sleep in YMCA because he couldn't afford housing

Dale Carnegie was an American writer and lecturer who developed famous courses in self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, public speaking, and interpersonal skills. His book 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' has sold over 30 million copies and is considered one of the most influential self-help books of all time. He founded the Dale Carnegie Institute, now known as Dale Carnegie Training, which operates in over 90 countries.

Career Timeline

1888

Born Dale Breckenridge Carnagey on a farm in Maryville, Missouri

1906 Age 18
Turning Point

Attended State Teachers College in Warrensburg

1908 Age 20
Turning Point

Began selling correspondence courses to ranchers

1911 Age 23
Setback

Moved to New York; tried acting; lived in poverty at YMCA

1912 Age 24
Milestone

Began teaching public speaking at YMCA

1913 Age 25
Achievement

First book 'Public Speaking: A Practical Course for Business Men'

1919 Age 31
Turning Point

Changed name spelling from Carnagey to Carnegie

1920 Age 32
Milestone

Dale Carnegie Institute incorporated

1936 Age 48
Milestone

Published 'How to Win Friends and Influence People'

1936 Age 48
Achievement

Book became bestseller; sold 250,000 copies in first 3 months

1955 Age 66

Died on November 1 at his home in Forest Hills, New York

Notable Quotes

"It isn't what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it."

"Don't criticize, condemn, or complain."

"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."

"The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it."