Throughout history, both in the East and West, there have been countless instances where individuals, such as Dale Carnegie, were deeply moved, or even had their entire lives transformed, by the words of another.
Dale Carnegie, the renowned American educator and orator, was once a very mischievous young boy. At the age of 9, following the marriage of his father to his stepmother, they lived together in a humble household in rural Virginia. Dale Carnegie’s father, introducing him to his new wife, warned: “My dear, be wary of this boy. He’s the naughtiest boy in the entire county. He gives me endless headaches. He might throw a rock at you by tomorrow morning or get up to some other mischief. Stay on your guard.”
What Dale Carnegie hadn’t expected was his stepmother’s response. She walked over, gently lifted his chin to look into his eyes, and told her husband: “You’re mistaken. He’s not the worst boy in the county. He’s the brightest, who just hasn’t found the right outlet for his passion yet.”
These words touched Dale Carnegie deeply, bringing tears to his eyes. This simple phrase not only solidified the bond between Dale Carnegie and his stepmother, but also ignited his drive for self-improvement. These words inspired him to later assist millions of others on their paths to success. Before her arrival, no one had ever praised his intelligence. His father and neighbors had branded him a troublemaker, but his stepmother’s words changed his life trajectory.
At 14, his stepmother bought Dale Carnegie a second-hand typewriter, expressing her belief that he would become a writer. Inspired by her vision, he started submitting articles to a local newspaper. He admired her fervor and witnessed firsthand how her passion improved their family’s life.
A legacy of influence
As Dale Carnegie grew older, he synthesized many of the principles he learned from his stepmother and others into his teachings and writings. This culminated in his groundbreaking book How to Win Friends and Influence People. The book, which emphasized the importance of understanding human nature and building genuine relationships, became an instant bestseller and remains influential to this day.
Through this seminal work, Dale Carnegie championed the idea that positive affirmations, understanding, and authentic appreciation could lead to both personal and professional success. It’s no stretch to say that the core principles of his book can be traced back to that pivotal moment with his stepmother, reminding us of the profound influence that a few encouraging words can have on an individual’s path.
The beauty of uplifting words
Why wouldn’t one embrace the power to uplift someone’s life with just a kind word? Thus, you should always aim to:
- Speak words that bring joy.
- Offer words of encouragement.
- Give words of affirmation.
- Shower words of praise.
Favor kind words over negative ones. An offhand, frivolous remark might inadvertently ruin opportunities, but a single caring statement can give someone the courage to carry on. You must regularly reflect upon your words to ensure that you foster positive relationships and connections.
Translated by Eva
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