LAD/Blog #22: Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth

In 1889, business tycoon Andrew Carnegie wrote his Gospel of Wealth, a commentary on societal change, the roles of the social classes, and the responsibility that comes with being a member of the wealthy and educated upper class. Essentially, Carnegie found a way to delicately argue in favor of Social Darwinism, or the belief that men deserve whatever their outcome in life, as it is the output of their hard work, grit, education, and intelligence. He believed the wealth gap was justified as the educated and refined upper class could be trusted with the luxuries and influence they had. Carnegie trusted the wealth to the upper class as long as they spent it during their lifetime and used it to help others. He thought philanthropy was very important to maintain free market, capitalist policies. Some modern figures who continue the belief in the importance of philanthropy are Bill and Melinda Gates, who are some of the most generous givers today. Andrew Carnegie disagreed with those who argued for economic equality, and supplied the reasoning that all social classes had been elevated over the years, regardless of the gap between classes. Was it not better to have an economic gap than to have universal poverty? Carnegie's views were in favor of limited government meddling in business affairs, i.e., laissez-faire policies. Carnegie's commentary foreshadows the impending conflict that would define much of the following century, and cause a rift between nations. Ultimately, Andrew Carnegie was arguing against Communism and defending the ideals of Capitalism. 

Bill Gates is a multi-billionaire and is listed as one of the most generous philanthropists today.