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"Influence" is a perfectly neutral term.

Martin Luther King Jr. influenced people. Gandhi influenced people. Mozart influenced people. Your favorite teacher influenced you.

by tigen20 hours ago|

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It seems to be a rather brilliant piece of marketing to put that phrase in the title. It raises curiosity in a way that a generic "make friends" does not. (The "win" is a subtle move also.)

Once the readers are drawn in, whether from base or nobler instincts, the book can try to influence its readers into being nice.

Only trouble is that it may push away those who are "already nice" enough to feel bad about manipulating people.

by JohnBooty8 hours ago|

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Truthfully (IIRC) the book is more about "Influencing People" than "Making Friends." But, it's about doing it in a genuine way.

I think it's puzzling that so many people here attach such a negative connotation to "influencing." I mean, my partner made me really hungry tonight when they cooked dinner and it smelled great. It influenced me. MLK influenced people. Etc. etc.

by gowld16 hours ago|

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The book "Getting to Yes" covers similar terrain, from a different angle, but still targeting Win-Win, without sounding as manipulative as "influence people".

BTW, Dale Carnagey changed his name to crease a false association with Andrew Carnegie.

So there is good reason to distrust Dale and his followers.