Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) was a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist who led the expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century. Born into a poor family, he and his parents immigrated to the United States in 1848, settling in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. He began his career as a bobbin boy in a cotton factory at age 13, earning just $1.20 a week. Through a series of smart investments and a keen business sense, he quickly rose through the ranks.
Carnegie’s leadership in the steel industry made him one of the wealthiest men in history. However, he is perhaps best known for his later life as a philanthropist. He believed that the wealthy should donate their riches to benefit society. He sold his steel company to J.P. Morgan for $480 million in 1901 and dedicated the rest of his life to philanthropy, giving away approximately 90% of his fortune. His foundations established over 2,500 public libraries, built Carnegie Hall in New York, and supported countless other educational and peace initiatives. His autobiography and his essay, "The Gospel of Wealth," are foundational texts that continue to influence modern philanthropy.
