The Gospel of Wealth

In his influential 1889 essay "The Gospel of Wealth," steel magnate Andrew Carnegie explores the responsibilities of great wealth and advocates for philanthropy as a key solution. Carnegie emphasizes the importance of funding and overseeing community projects that benefit society long after their creators are gone, such as libraries, parks, and educational institutions. He asserts that it is the duty of wealthy individuals to assist the less fortunate, a philosophy he embodied by establishing over 3,000 public libraries and fostering continued philanthropic efforts through various Carnegie foundations.