Andrew Carnegie
A Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist who established numerous libraries.
Core Belief
"The man of wealth has a duty to use his surplus funds for the benefit of the community, acting as a trustee for his poorer brethren."
Worldview
Optimistic and progressive, believing in the power of education and free access to knowledge to uplift individuals and improve society.
Personality
Ambitious, industrious, and fiercely independent, with a strong belief in self-improvement and the responsible use of wealth. He was also a keen observer and a thoughtful writer.
In Their Own Words
"This, then, is held to be the duty of the man of wealth: First, to set an example of modest, unostentatious living, shunning display or extravagance; to provide moderately for the legitimate wants of those dependent upon him; and after doing so, to consider all surplus revenues which come to him simply as trust funds, which he is called upon to administer, and strictly bound as a matter of duty to administer in the manner which, in his judgment, is best calculated to produce the most beneficial results for the community."
"I cannot tell you how proud I was when I received my first week's own earnings. One dollar and twenty cents made by myself, and given to me because I had been of some use in the world!"
"The condition precedent for promotion is that the man must first attract notice. He must do something unusual, and especially must this be beyond the strict boundary of his duties."
Discussions with Andrew Carnegie
Other Characters from Famous Givers and Their Gifts
John Lowell, Jr.
A wealthy Boston merchant and philanthropist who established the Lowell Institute for free public lectures.
Stephen Girard
A French-born American merchant and philanthropist who established Girard College for orphaned boys.
Thomas Holloway
A British patent medicine manufacturer and philanthropist who founded a sanatorium and a women's college.
Charles Pratt
An American businessman and philanthropist who founded Pratt Institute.
Sophia Smith
A philanthropist who used her inheritance to found Smith College.
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