The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie and The Gospel of Wealth

Andrew Carnegie's autobiography takes us from his humble beginnings as a Scottish immigrant to his ascension to wealth and power as the 'captain of industry,' and how he embodied the American 'rags to riches' dream. Carnegie was the epitome of the self-made man, first working his way up in a telegraph company and then making astute investments in the railroad industry. Through hard work, perseverance, and an earnest desire to develop himself in his education and finances, Carnegie finally made his considerable fortune in steel. What is perhaps most remarkable about this historical figure, however, was his overwhelmingly generous practice of philanthropy. In "The Gospel of Wealth," he relates his ideas on the distribution of wealth to the poor in a responsible capitalistic society. In setting an example of his own beliefs, Carnegie gave away millions of dollars for the public good, demonstrating his own willingness to promote human welfare and the betterment of man.