You know, I was just thinking about that Dale Carnegie line, “People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things.” It’s not just fluffy motivation; it’s the absolute bedrock of any real success I’ve ever seen.
Share Image Quote:Table of Contents
Meaning
The core message is simple but profound: Your belief in your own capabilities is the non-negotiable starting pistol for achievement. It’s the catalyst that transforms potential into action.
Explanation
Look, I’ve worked with dozens of entrepreneurs and professionals over the years. The single biggest differentiator isn’t talent or even resources. It’s this internal switch. When someone genuinely starts to believe “I can figure this out,” everything changes. They stop seeing roadblocks and start seeing puzzles to be solved. They become, as Carnegie says, remarkable, because they’re operating from a place of agency, not fear. It’s the first secret because without it, all the other secrets—the strategies, the tactics—are just theoretical. They have no engine.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Success (341) |
| Topics | achievement (34), belief (103), confidence (100) |
| Literary Style | encouraging (17), plain (102) |
| Emotion / Mood | inspiring (392), motivating (311) |
| Overall Quote Score | 89 (88) |
Origin & Factcheck
This is straight from Carnegie’s 1948 book, How to Enjoy Your Life and Your Job, a follow-up to his legendary How to Win Friends and Influence People. It’s authentically his, born from his decades of work in self-improvement and corporate training in the United States. You sometimes see it misattributed to other motivational figures, but the source is pure Carnegie.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Dale Carnegie (408) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | How to Enjoy Your Life and Your Job (53) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Modern (530) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Dale Carnegie(1888), an American writer received worldwide recognition for his influential books on relationship, leadership, and public speaking. His books and courses focus on human relations, and self confidence as the foundation for success. Among his timeless classics, the Dale Carnegie book list includes How to Win Friends and Influence People is the most influential which inspires millions even today for professional growth.
Official Website |Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube |
Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves, they have the first secret of success |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 1955 (compiled from earlier Carnegie works) ISBN/Unique Identifier: Unknown Last edition. Number of pages: Common reprints ~192–240 pages (varies by printing) |
| Where is it? | Chapter: Belief in Yourself, Approximate page from 1948 edition |