Andrew Carnegie, known as the King of Steel,
built the steel industry in the United States,
and , in the process,
became one of the wealthiest men in America.
His success resulted in part from his
ability to sell the product and in part from his
policy of expanding during periods of economic decline,
when most of his competitors
were reducing their investments.
Carnegie believed that individuals should
progress through hard work,
but he also felt strongly that the wealthy
should use their fortunes for the benefit of society.
He opposed charity, preferring
instead to provide educational opportunities
that would allow others to help themselves.
"He who dies rich, dies disgraced," he often said.
Among his more noteworthy contributions to
society are those that bear his name,
including the Carnegie Institute of Pittsburgh,
which has a library, a museum of fine arts,
and a museum of national history.
He also founded a school of technology
that is now part of Carnegie-Mellon University.
Other philanthrophic gifts are the Carnegie Endowment
for International Peace to promote
understanding between nations,
the Carnegie Institute of Washington
to fund scientific research,
and Carnegie Hall to provide a center for the arts.
Few Americans have been left untouched
by Andrew Carnegie's generosity.
His contributions of more than five million
dollars established 2,500 libraries in small communities
throughout the country and formed the nucleus of the public
library system that we all enjoy today.