|
Andrew Carnegie, known as the King of Steel, built the steel industry inthe United States, and, in the process, became one of the wealthiest menin America. His success resulted in part from his ability to sell the productand in part from his policy of expanding during periods of economicdecline, when most of his competitors were reducing their investments. Carnegie believed that individuals should progress through hard work, but he also feltstrongly that the wealthy should use their fortunes for the benefit ofsociety. He opposed charity, preferring instead to provide educational opportunities that would allow others to help themselves. Hewho dies rich, dies disgraced,he often said. Among hismore noteworthy contributions to society are those that bear his name,including the Carnegie Institute of Pittsburgh, which has a library, amuseum of fine arts, and a museum of national history. He also foundeda school of technology that is now part of Carnegie-Mellon University.Other philanthropic gifts are the Carnegie Endowment forInternational Peace to promote understanding between nations, the CarnegieInstitute of Washington to fund scientific research, and Carnegie Hall toprovide a center for the arts. Few Americanshave been left untouched by Andrew Carnegies generosity. His contributions ofmore than five million dollars established 2,500 libraries in small communitiesthroughout the country and formed the nucleus of the public library systemthat we all enjoy today. | 
