Andrew Carnegie (1835–1919), a Scottish-American industrialist, became one of the richest men in the world through his steel empire, Carnegie Steel Company, which he sold to J.P. Morgan in 1901 for $480 million. Despite his immense wealth, Carnegie believed that “the man who dies rich dies disgraced,” advocating that the wealthy have a moral obligation to use their fortunes for the public good. This philosophy was articulated in his 1889 essay, The Gospel of Wealth, which emphasized strategic, evidence-based philanthropy rather than indiscriminate charity.
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Major Philanthropic Contributions
Public Libraries: Carnegie is best known for funding the construction of over 2,500 libraries worldwide, including 1,679 in the United States. These libraries were intended to provide free access to knowledge, enabling self-education and social mobility, reflecting Carnegie’s own experience as a self-taught immigrant. Communities were required to provide land and commit to ongoing maintenance, ensuring local investment in the project.
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Educational Institutions: Carnegie established and funded numerous educational initiatives, including the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University), the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. He also supported scholarships, research, and the development of higher education globally.
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Cultural and Civic Projects: Carnegie funded Carnegie Hall in New York City, thousands of church organs, public parks, swimming baths, and music halls, aiming to enrich cultural life and civic engagement. He also created the Carnegie Hero Fund to recognize individuals who risked their lives to save others.
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Peace and International Initiatives: Carnegie was a strong advocate for world peace, founding the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and supporting the construction of the Peace Palace in The Hague. His philanthropy extended to promoting understanding between nations and supporting conflict resolution research.
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Philanthropic Philosophy
Carnegie’s approach, often called “scientific philanthropy,” emphasized giving in ways that empowered recipients to help themselves. He prioritized education, libraries, and institutions that strengthened society’s capacity for self-improvement. He believed that wealth should be used to produce lasting benefits rather than temporary relief, and he encouraged other wealthy individuals to follow his example.
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Legacy
By the time of his death in 1919, Carnegie had given away approximately $350 million, nearly 90% of his fortune, establishing a model for modern philanthropy that continues to influence figures like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. The institutions he founded, including the Carnegie Corporation of New York, continue to support education, research, and peace initiatives, ensuring that his vision of wealth serving society endures.