Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) was not only a towering figure in the industrial era as a steel magnate but also an influential author and philanthropist whose ideas on wealth and its distribution resonate to this day. Born in Dunfermline, Scotland, and moving to the United States as a child, Carnegie's rags-to-riches life story is the epitome of the American dream. He is perhaps best known for his 1889 essay 'The Gospel of Wealth', in which he argues that the affluent have a moral obligation to distribute their wealth in ways that promote the welfare and enrichment of society. In this seminal work, Carnegie posits that the rich are mere trustees of their wealth and must use it responsibly for the greater good, thus setting the groundwork for modern philanthropy. His literary style is marked by a firm belief in the power of individual responsibility and his views reflected the economic philosophy of his time, which centered on self-reliance and the accumulation of wealth. However, unlike many of his contemporaries, Carnegie was notable for his conviction in the sharing of fortune for societal benefit, a theme that underpins much of his written work and is manifest in his extensive philanthropic endeavors, including founding numerous libraries, educational institutions, and charitable organizations globally.
