Dale Carnegie was America's foremost promoter of unwavering optimism and enthusiasm as both a personal philosophy and a manner of approaching the challenges of daily life. Back in 1912, Carnegie began teaching a nonacademic course that, on the surface, was concerned with public speaking. Actually, the issues with which he dealt went beyond the how-tos of speaking before audiences. As his course evolved, Carnegie focused on the manner in which individuals might confront their fears and demons. He saw these fears as barriers that prevented them from reaching their complete potential at their jobs or in their personal relationships.

Carnegie, who previously had worked as a salesman and actor, first taught his course in New York City, at the YMCA on 125th Street in Harlem. His students were businessmen and salesmen who wished to improve their communications skills. He expanded his class' parameters when he...