If you want to be interesting, be genuinely interested in others. It sounds simple, but this one shift in mindset is the secret weapon I’ve seen separate good networkers from truly magnetic ones. It flips the entire dynamic of a conversation on its head.
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Meaning
At its core, this quote means that the key to being perceived as fascinating isn’t about performing, but about focusing your attention outward. Your charisma is a direct reflection of the interest you show.
Explanation
Let me break down why this works so well. See, when most people try to be “interesting,” they turn the spotlight on themselves. They rehearse stories, they try to be the smartest person in the room. And honestly? It’s exhausting for everyone. The magic happens when you turn that around. When you ask a follow-up question not because you have to, but because you’re genuinely curious. People can feel that authenticity. They light up. And in that moment, because you made them feel heard and fascinating, you become the most interesting person they’ve talked to all day. It’s a beautiful, counter-intuitive piece of social alchemy.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Relationship (329) |
| Topics | connection (265), curiosity (46), interest (21) |
| Literary Style | clear (348), memorable (234) |
| Emotion / Mood | friendly (32), uplifting (157) |
| Overall Quote Score | 86 (262) |
Origin & Factcheck
This gem comes straight from Leil Lowndes’s 1999 book, How to Talk to Anyone. It’s a cornerstone of her practical advice for building rapport. You might sometimes see this sentiment floating around and attributed to Dale Carnegie, likely because it echoes the principles in How to Win Friends and Influence People, but the specific phrasing is 100% Lowndes.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Leil Lowndes (235) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships (185) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Leil Lowndes writes about striking conversations with unknown people and how to put others at ease and maintain relationships. Her techniques are straightforward and practically usable that readers can apply immediately in their workplace, and everyday life. Her book list includes How to Talk to Anyone and Goodbye to Shy which have reached international audiences.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | If you want to be interesting, be genuinely interested in others |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 1999; ISBN: 978-0-07-141858-4; Last edition: 2018; Number of pages: 368. |
| Where is it? | Chapter 21: Show Genuine Interest, Approximate page 91 from 2018 edition |