1835–1919
Andrew Carnegie
Scottish-born steel magnate who gave most of his fortune away, much of it to build free public libraries. His 1889 essay on wealth argued that dying rich is a disgrace.
Every line we carry
Each one links to its source, what it means, and the shirt in any of our looks.
- The man who dies rich dies disgraced.
Carnegie, the richest man of his day, said a fortune hoarded until death is a shame. Wealth is to be given away while you can still direct it well. Whatever you have, plan to give it.
"Wealth" (The North American Review, 1889), the essay later called The Gospel of Wealth, Original English (The North American Review, June 1889)
- Help those who will help themselves.
Carnegie wanted giving that builds people up rather than keeps them dependent. Give people the means to rise. Assist, but rarely do it all for them.
"Wealth" (The North American Review, 1889), Original English (The North American Review, June 1889)
- Place within reach the ladders upon which the aspiring can rise.
Carnegie built libraries for this reason. The best gift is a ladder, not a lift. Put tools within reach of people who want to climb.
"Wealth" (The North American Review, 1889), Original English (The North American Review, June 1889)
- Make yourself master in that line.
Carnegie had no faith in scattering effort and money across many ventures. Pick your field and become its master. Depth beats breadth.
Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie (1920), ch. 12, Original English (Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie, 1920)