Andrew Carnegie Biography

Charitable Works

Some people love Carnegie and what he did, others hated him for the same, but no one can deny, the man never forgets. Those who helped him along the way reaped the benefits of his steel company. Anything anyone did along the way would be repaid ten times over by the generous Carnegie. Once he created his fortune, Carnegie knew that he was going to be giving most, if not all of it away. This can be seen in some of his many quotes such as, “the man who dies rich, dies disgraced,” or “no man can become rich without himself enriching others”. Just as his uncle and the colonel had taught him, education is key. He promised to build a few libraries across the world, as long as the communities they would be built in promised to take

By the time of his death, Carnegie built 3,000 libraries. He continued his works by giving away his fortune. Then, Carnegie decided it was time to create a school in the Pittsburgh area. What would begin as the Carnegie Institute of Technology would later morph into Carnegie Mellon University, one of the most prestigious universities in the world. His work in the field of education included scholarships and the creation of the Pell grant. He also created many other associations that continue to have an impact today. “The success of the association was bolstered by prudent investments in government, railroad and industrial bonds that enabled it not only to survive but to grow, even during the Great Depression.” (Allen) Not much survived the depression, but Carnegie’s associations are steadfast and still provide funding for public education. He continued his works through the creation of many other types of establishments. Leslie Lenkowsky

Many people will argue that it does. Daniel Putman argues that because Carnegie’s fortune was made on the backs of average citizens. Robin Hood took money from the rich and gave it to the poor. Many people argue that Andrew Carnegie took money from the poor, and eventually returned it to society. Furthermore, many wonder if the labor conditions that, his steel workers were ethical. Carnegie was admittedly less worried about the ethicality of what he was doing, but instead the legality. This created the opportunity for greater profit margins, but also cost people’s lives. No amount of money is worth one’s life. Finally, Russ Juskalian argues whether or not Andrew Carnegie was truly generous. He also makes the larger argument that affluent people in general have more of a responsibility to contribute to society and therefore should not be praised for it. Can any amount of donation make up for the inequality in the world? Nothing can take away all the deeds Carnegie did, but his detractors certainly make fair points. In the end, it comes down to perspective. What is better for society: well-paying labor jobs in fair conditions or libraries and scholarships that help many