Dale Carnegie was a pioneering figure in the personal development field, whose influence has spanned the globe and decades. Born into poverty on a small farm in Missouri, he rose to fame with his courses on self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, public speaking, and interpersonal skills. Carnegie's groundbreaking book, "How to Win Friends & Influence People," first published in 1936, has sold millions of copies worldwide and remains popular for its practical advice on influencing others in a positive and enduring way.