However, for all that prosperity, the gap between rich and poor has always been a huge complication, for over a century, people have tried to fix this inequality. Andrew Carnegie was one of the first to propose a solution, his philosophy influenced many American millionaires ever since, including people like Bill
He funded numerous libraries all across the U.S. and even in Europe, meriting him the title “Patron Saint of Libraries”. Aside from libraries, he also funded many church organs, schools, colleges, organizations, and funds. By the time of his death, he had given away ninety percent of his fortune. Finally, Carnegie left a strong psychological impact. In his article titled “Wealth”, he spread about his ideas of the successful economic system and the proper administration of wealth.
Not only that but also Hostetter worked as chairman of the distribution committee of the Lancaster County Foundation. An organization that begins founded in 1924 to distribute the wealth from different clients. Attracting new donors, he increased the size of the foundation and because of his astonishing work the Lancaster County Foundation granted more than $600,000. In addition, He worked as chairman of the American Red Cross. He also served almost 20 years as a member of the Lancaster County Board of Assessment Appeals.
Andrew Carnegie was a very wealthy man. He donated lots of money to people and places and charities that needed it the most . This would be one reason why someone would think he is heroic. Many people would not really see this heroic because he was a wealthy man he had a lot more money than what he donated. Yes he did donate a good portion of his money but people
The late nineteenth century was a pivotal moment in American history. During this time, the Industrial Revolution transformed the nation, railroads had dissipated all throughout the country, and economic classes began to form, separating the wealthy from the poor. One of the wealthiest men of this generation was Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish immigrant who fled to America to make millions off the railroad, oil and even steel businesses. Carnegie is considered one of the richest men in history, and even with all that wealth he decided to give back to the community. As a matter of fact, Carnegie donated most of his funds to charities, universities and libraries in his last few years.
People say that he only gave away his money to make himself look better. However, in the final analysis Andrew Carnegie was a hero because he showed a lot of concern for others, he donated over two billion dollars to charities and he provided a lot of job opportunity for people both in Scotland and
For Carnegie, improving society is the role of the wealthy man who, “animated by Christ’s spirit” (“Wealth”), can administer wealth for the community better than it could have for itself (“Wealth”). Carnegie’s ostentatious vanity indicates that he reaps pride from his attempt at improving society, which serves the explicit goal of “dignify[ing] his own life” (“Wealth”). Although Addams stresses the importance of unity and the interdependency of the classes (226), it is important to point out that she opened the Hull House in response to the uselessness she felt following a
He also stated that he “had 400 students a semester” (Zinn Movie). He was a very popular professor who inspired his students to take action, but he always led by
John Davison Rockefeller: From Rags to Riches “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great”, John D. Rockefeller. John D. Rockefeller accomplished more than anyone of his era could. Rockefeller began his life at the bottom, but rose to the top of the social and economic later later in his life. He pioneered the idea of the now illegal monopoly, and the American business model. Although Rockefeller is particularly remembered for his ruthless tactics in his oil monopoly, he contributed an immense fortune to various charity foundations.
In the case of Bill Gates, who is listed in an issue of this year’s Forbes as the richest man in the world, yet spends a decent amount of time attending to charity, we see that the ideals of collectivism can exist within the ideals of independence. Furthermore, in the U.S., our government provides us with social and entitlement programs which benefit many people and are thus beneficial to the common good. Proponents of extreme individualism and capitalism may argue against these programs, but when they or a family member suddenly need these services, it becomes beneficial to them to keep these programs alive. In the public school system, community service is generally encouraged, if not mandatory. This clearly benefits the common good, as it ensures there is a force out there working to fix up or perform services for the community, but many individuals who participated in these programs would contend (perhaps begrudgingly) that these programs benefited them mentally, intellectually, emotionally, physically, or any combination of the