Andrew Carnegie: Summary
Everything you need to know about Joseph Wall's Andrew Carnegie, in 1 paragraph.
Andrew Carnegie by Joseph Wall is a comprehensive biography of the life of industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Born in Scotland to a modest family, Carnegie immigrated to the United States and rose from poverty to become one of the wealthiest men in the world. He used his wealth to build libraries, universities, and other charitable organizations, ultimately giving away more than $350 million dollars during his lifetime. Carnegie's story is both inspirational and cautionary, illustrating the power of ambition, hard work, and success as well as the danger of using power for selfish gain.
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Andrew Carnegie: Key Points
- Andrew Carnegie was a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist who became one of the wealthiest men in the world during his lifetime. He is best remembered for his major contributions to the steel industry, as well as his generous philanthropic endeavors.
- Carnegie was born in Scotland in 1835 and immigrated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when he was 12 years old.
- In 1865, Carnegie founded the Carnegie Steel Company and rapidly grew it into the largest steel producer in the world.
- In 1901, Carnegie sold his company to J.P Morgan for $480 million and retired from business at age 66.
- After retiring, he devoted much of his time and wealth to philanthropy, establishing foundations and trusts that supported education, scientific research, public libraries, international peace, and other causes.
- Carnegie wrote a book, “The Gospel of Wealth” which argued that wealthy people had an obligation to use their surplus wealth for the betterment of society.
- Carnegie died in 1919 at the age of 83 and is remembered as one of America’s greatest businessmen and philanthropists.
What to say about Andrew Carnegie
- Andrew Carnegie was a true visionary, pioneering the modern business model of making money through investments and philanthropy.
- Through his leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, Andrew Carnegie transformed the American steel industry, creating an empire and becoming one of the wealthiest men in history.
- His work in philanthropy is also noteworthy, as he donated millions of dollars to various causes including libraries, education initiatives, and peace organizations.
- He was a strong proponent of individualism and self-determination, believing that people should be able to make their own decisions without government interference.
- His legacy continues to influence the business world today, with many aspiring entrepreneurs striving to emulate his success.
- He was a leader in corporate social responsibility, promoting employee welfare programs and advocating for labor rights long before they were commonplace.
- He was also a passionate advocate for industrial democracy, believing that workers should have a say in how their businesses are run and managed.
- His commitment to education and knowledge left a lasting impact on society through his numerous library donations and scientific research grants.
- Andrew Carnegie's success story serves as an inspiration for those who wish to rise from humble beginnings to create their own successful business empires.
- His impact on American industry cannot be overstated; he is widely considered to be one of the most influential figures in American economic history.
What to post on LinkedIn or Twitter about Andrew Carnegie
- Andrew Carnegie was a visionary entrepreneur who used business to build a philanthropic empire. His life is an inspiration for anyone looking to make a lasting difference in the world. #AndrewCarnegie #Entrepreneur
- Andrew Carnegie believed that great wealth should be used to benefit humanity and dedicated most of his fortune to philanthropy. He was an inspiring example of how to use success for good. #AndrewCarnegie #Philanthropy
- Andrew Carnegie was an early adopter of collective bargaining and labor union rights, helping pave the way for improved working conditions for generations to come. #AndrewCarnegie #CollectiveBargaining
- Andrew Carnegie was a self-made man who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the wealthiest men in history. His success story is an inspiration to us all. #AndrewCarnegie #SuccessStory
- Andrew Carnegie's famous quote, "The man who dies thus rich dies disgraced," is a reminder that money should never be our primary goal in life but rather a tool for making the world a better place for all. #AndrewCarnegie #MoneyMatters
Top 5 Quotes from Andrew Carnegie
- "As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do."
- "Surplus wealth is a sacred trust which its possessor is bound to administer in his lifetime for the good of the community."
- "The first man gets the oyster, the second man gets the shell."
- "Concentrate your energies, your thoughts and your capital... The wise man puts all his eggs in one basket and watches the basket."
- "My heart is in the work."
Other books by Joseph Wall
- A Place for All People: The Story of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
- A Century of Dreams: The History and Legacy of the National Football League
- The Making of a Consumer Society: Advertising, Politics, and the Transformation of American Life
- Pop Culture: A Social History of Modern America
- The Great Depression: A Nation in Crisis
- The Roots of America: From Colonization to Revolution
- The Gilded Age: A History of Post-Civil War America
- American Transcendentalism: A History
- The Progressive Era: Building a Better World
- Immigration in America: An Encyclopedia
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Andrew Carnegie was the first person to donate public libraries to cities and towns across the United States. He donated money to build over 3,000 public libraries in total throughout his lifetime.
