How to Stop Worrying and Start Living

Carnegie emphasizes the futility of worrying about unwarranted criticism. Unjust criticism should not be taken to heart, as it often stems from jealousy and resentment. Furthermore, criticism is more likely to be directed at successful people. For example, in 1929, Robert Hutchins caused a sensation when he became president of the University of Chicago at age 30. Many newspaper articles criticized his appointment, claiming that Hutchins was too young and inexperienced for the role. When asked about this criticism, Hutchins’s father replied, “remember that no one ever kicks a dead dog” (229). Similarly, King Edward VIII (then Prince of Wales) was kicked by the other boys at the Royal Naval College. The perpetrators explained that they wanted to abuse the future king. Even US President Thomas Jefferson and President George Washington were the targets of severe and unjust criticism.

Carnegie urges readers to remember the principle of the “dead dog” and view criticism as “a disguised compliment” (232).

Carnegie argues that receiving unjust criticism is inevitable. However, while we cannot prevent the negative responses of others, we can control how we react to them. He advises readers to remain true to their own principles and refuse to let unjust feedback upset their equilibrium.