Talk to someone about themselves… it’s the master key to connection. Carnegie nailed a fundamental, almost embarrassing, truth about human nature.
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Meaning
The core message is simple: the most interesting topic to any person is, overwhelmingly, themselves. Leverage that, and you have their undivided attention.
Explanation
Look, we all walk around with a silent radio station playing in our heads 24/7: WIIFM, “What’s In It For Me?” Carnegie wasn’t being cynical; he was being observant. When you genuinely engage someone on *their* passions, *their* challenges, *their* stories, you’re not just being polite. You’re tapping into the most powerful drug on earth: validation. It’s not about manipulation. It’s about understanding the operating system of human connection. I’ve seen it in boardrooms and at backyard barbecues—the principle is universal. The person who asks the questions and listens is the one who is remembered, trusted, and liked.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3669) |
| Category | Skill (416) |
| Topics | attention (57), communication (196), interest (21), listening (91) |
| Literary Style | direct (414), observational (27), witty (99) |
| Emotion / Mood | curious (37) |
| Overall Quote Score | 70 (55) |
Origin & Factcheck
This gem comes straight from Dale Carnegie’s 1936 classic, How to Win Friends and Influence People, published in the United States. You sometimes see it misattributed to other self-help gurus or even historical figures, but its home is firmly in Carnegie’s landmark work, which has sold tens of millions of copies for a reason.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Dale Carnegie (408) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | How to Win Friends and Influence People (99) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Modern (528) |
| Original Language | English (3669) |
| 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.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Talk to someone about themselves and they’ll listen for hours |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 1936 original, Revised Edition 1981, ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9780671723651, Last edition. Number of pages: Revised Edition 1981, approx 291 pages |
| Where is it? | Part Two: Six Ways to Make People Like You, Chapter 6 |