Dale Carnegie – the man who dared to follow his dreams
My first meeting with Dale Carnegie's work was a complete accident. I ordered two of his books in 2016, but I have to admit that I did it just because I thought they were written by Andrew Carnegie, the richest man in the world in the early 20th century. Obviously, I was so excited when I saw Carnegie's name that I just ordered the books without thinking. However, when I received them, I realized that the author was another Carnegie. And I can't tell you how happy I am to have made this accidental mistake.
Childhood
Dale Harbison Carnegie was born on November 24, 1888 in Maryville, Missouri. His parents were farmers and he started helping them with everything he could on the farm since a very young age. He often had to get up at 3 or 4 in the morning and take care of the pigs and the cows before going to school.
He completed his primary education in a one-room school, and during his high school education he proved to be extremely good at discussions. This skill, which Dale developed, prompted him to graduate from State Teacher's College in Warrensburg, Missouri. There he studied and practiced oratory in details, which would later prove to be his most precious asset.
The Most Important Decision
The young Carnegie started working right after his graduation, changing many and different professions. But none of them completely satisfied him. He wanted to become an author and write books, but his professional path always led him a different direction.
In 1909 he sold trucks, but he just hated this job. He also hated his apartment and his way of life. It seemed like the dreams he had in college had turned into nightmares. Carnegie thought long about his situation and what he could do to live life to the fullest. And finally, he made probably the most important decision of his life - to leave his hated job and dare to follow his dreams!
And then his most valuable asset came to help - his skill to speak in public. Dale began teaching at the Evening School of the Youth Christian Organization (YMCA). This job allowed him to have a lot of free time during the day, which he happily started to invest in his dreams.
The Brave Carnegie
Dale was also very dedicated to his new profession, where he initially taught only public speaking. Over time, however, he noticed that his students had other problems, besides the fear of speaking in public. Many people found it difficult to make new friends and express their views in important conversations. And Carnegie's approach to this situation impressed and inspired me so much.
Dale searched hard, but failed to find a suitable textbook for human relationships. And that's why he decided to write one! And this is not an isolated case. Later Carnegie found that many of his students had serious anxiety problems. This time he found over twenty books written on the subject, but none of them turned out to be good enough for his course. And that's why Dale decided to write such a book again!
I myself remained speechless from Carnegie's courage and bravery in these situations. He did not find what he wanted, so he decided to create it. What a wonderful attitude! What a strong determination! What an inspiring action!
These two books became world bestsellers selling millions of copies worldwide. They helped Carnegie’s students and millions of others facing the same problems.
Training Centers
Dale also managed to build a huge network of his own training centers, where his own courses are still taught. It is very likely that there is such a training center near you. And Warren Buffett himself, says that one of Dale Carnegie's courses gave him the most important degree he has, and it is why he is so successful today.
Dale Carnegie's work has inspired and changed the lives of millions of people around the world. I am one of them, and I hope this happens to you too. And all of this will continue to happen, thanks to the man who dared to follow his dreams.