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Andrew Carnegie Unveiled: 20 Surprising Facts About the Philanthropist

Industrialist Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American, rose to prominence as one of the world’s wealthiest people in the late 19th century. He was most well-known for his philanthropy, which he saw as a duty on the part of the rich to practice.

A complicated and contradictory figure, Andrew Carnegie was a cunning businessman who gained his money by taking advantage of employees. He was a tremendous philanthropist, nevertheless, and during his lifetime, he donated more than $350 million. He made a big difference in the world through his charity and held the view that the wealthy had a moral duty to utilize their fortune to benefit others. 20 interesting facts about Andrew Carnegie are provided below:

1. Andrew Overcame Poverty To Become What He Was

Andrew Carnegie. , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In 1835, Andrew Carnegie was born in the slums of Dunfermline, Scotland. His family frequently went without food since his father, a weaver, battled to make ends meet. Despite being a gifted child, Carnegie was forced to drop out of school at the age of 13 in order to work in a textile industry. He frequently endured difficult conditions while working long hours for little remuneration.

Despite his modest upbringing, Carnegie was adamant about succeeding. He put in a lot of effort and saved his money before relocating to the US in pursuit of opportunity. He found success in the steel business in America, where he rose to become one of the richest people on the planet.

2. He Started Off As A Bobbin Boy

He and his family arrived in the United States when he was 13 years old. He started off as a bobbin boy for $1.20 a week at a textile industry, working 12-hour days. Later, he earned $2.50 weekly as a messenger boy for the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Regardless of his modest upbringing, Carnegie was a driven and aspirational young man. One of the richest men in the world, he moved swiftly through the ranks of the Pennsylvania Railroad. He utilized his riches to support public institutions like libraries, schools, and other ones all across the world. He held that those who were wealthy had a moral duty to use their resources to benefit others.

He was a self-made businessman who emerged from abject poverty to rank among the most prosperous entrepreneurs in history. He also utilized his fortune to improve the world, and he is regarded as one of history’s most giving philanthropists.

3. His Family Were Immigrants In The United States

When Andrew Carnegie was 12 years old, his family moved to the United States from Scotland, where he was born into poverty. He began working at a textile industry as a bobbin boy, but soon decided he wanted to earn more money. He rose through the ranks of the Pennsylvania Railroad to become a messenger boy, where he gained an appreciation for discipline and hard work. Additionally, he discovered the value of connecting with others and networking. He became one of the richest men in the world thanks to these abilities.

Self-made guy Andrew Carnegie held the view that anyone could succeed provided they were prepared to put in the necessary effort and never give up on their goals.

4. Andrew Carnegie Was A Successful Businessman

Andrew Carnegie. , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The legacy of Carnegie is nuanced. He was a successful businessman who significantly impacted the steel sector. The lives of his employees were negatively impacted by him as a harsh and exploitative businessman.  A cunning businessman who found success in the steel sector was Andrew Carnegie. He was notorious for working long hours and poor pay, and he frequently exploited his fortune to sway politics and crush labour unions. Once he said, “The man who dies rich dies disgraced.”

Although Carnegie’s business methods were frequently attacked, he defended them by arguing that he was merely according to supply and demand rules. In addition, he claimed that his low pay and long hours were required to keep his business competitive.

The lives of Carnegie’s employees were significantly impacted by his business decisions. Many of them were paid pitifully little and forced to labour in hazardous situations. In protest of their working conditions, they frequently went on strike.

5. His Career Blossomed While Working At The Pennsylvania Railroad

He began working for the Pennsylvania Railroad as a bobbin boy in a textile plant and swiftly advanced through the ranks. In 1865, he was elected president of the railroad, and he made a fortune in the steel business. He also made investments in railroads and the oil industry.

Businessman Andrew Carnegie was notorious for his excessive work hours and low pay. He suppressed labor unions and exploited his riches to influence politics. He was a tremendous philanthropist, nevertheless, and during his lifetime, he donated more than $350 million. He provided funding to colleges, schools, libraries, and other public organizations all around the world.

6. He Was Also Known For His Philanthropy Work

At the age of 57, Andrew Carnegie left the corporate world. He chose to spend the remainder of his life to philanthropy despite being one of the richest men in the world. He held that those who were wealthy had a moral duty to use their resources to benefit others.

In his lifetime, Carnegie donated more than $350 million. He provided funding to colleges, schools, libraries, and other public organizations all around the world. He also provided funding for the development of public playgrounds, parks, and swimming pools. Everyone ought to have access to these conveniences, in his opinion.

Carnegie was a fervent advocate for international harmony. He gave money to the 1910-established Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Additionally, he recognized the value of education and established the Carnegie Corporation of New York, which supports global research and education.

On the world, Carnegie’s generosity had a profound effect. He made a significant contribution to society and assisted in enhancing the lives of millions of people.

7. Carnegie Donated More Than $350 Million For Various Initiatives Worldwide

Carnegie donated more than $350 million to support libraries, schools, universities, and other public institutions worldwide during his lifetime. His conviction that everyone should have access to education and information served as the foundation for Carnegie’s philanthropy. He thought that schools were crucial for training children for the workforce and that libraries were crucial for self-education. Universities, in his view, were crucial to the advancement of knowledge and research.

By giving them access to knowledge and education, he made a positive impact on the lives of millions of individuals. He also left a lasting mark on society by fostering a more enlightened and prosperous society.

8. Regardless Of Social Class, Carnegie Believed In Equal Access To Opportunities To All

Andrew Cernagie. , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In addition, Carnegie provided funding for the development of public playgrounds, parks, and swimming pools. Regardless of social class, Carnegie thought that everyone should have access to these advantages. He thought that parks could offer a place for people to unwind and appreciate nature, playgrounds could offer a place for kids to play and interact with others, and public swimming pools could contribute to enhancing public health.

Millions of people’s lives were significantly impacted by Carnegie’s philanthropy. He contributed to the improvement of everyone’s quality of life in urban areas. He also contributed much to society by working to create a just and equitable society.

9. He Advocated For Peace In The World

He was also a fervent advocate for world harmony. He thought that fighting was a waste of human life and a danger to peace on earth. He contributed $10 million to establish the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in 1910, a non-profit institution whose mission is to advance peace through diplomacy and global collaboration.

The promotion of peace on a global scale has been significantly helped by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. It has funded peace studies, backed initiatives to mediate in conflict areas, and supported the advancement of international institutions and legislation. The Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Hague Academy of International Law, and the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs were all founded with the aid of the Endowment.

Today, Carnegie’s outlook on the value of peace is still valid. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace continues to work towards a more peaceful future despite the fact that the world still faces many difficulties.

10. Andrew Carnegie Was An Avid Reader And Book Collector

Andrew Carnegie legacy also includes being a lover of reading and collecting books. He donated his personal library of more than 60,000 books to the City of Pittsburgh in 1895 because he thought everyone should have access to information. The Pittsburgh Carnegie Library was given its name, and it is still in use today.

In particular, history, philosophy, and science piqued Carnegie’s curiosity. His favourite authors of fiction included Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, and Jane Austen. He intended to make books accessible to everyone since he thought they could aid in learning and personal development.

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is evidence of Carnegie’s devotion to education and his love of reading. Millions of people use it each year, making it one of the biggest and most complete libraries in the country. Pittsburgh became a better educated and well-read city because to Carnegie’s gift of his personal library, and people are still motivated to read and learn today.

While he was alive, Carnegie was a contentious figure. He received criticism for both his philanthropy and business methods. But he is also regarded as one of history’s greatest kind philanthropists.

11. One Of Carnegie’s Numerous Hobbies And Skills Is His Love Of Music

One of Carnegie’s numerous hobbies and skills is his love of music. He was a fascinating and complex individual who had a big impact on the globe. He became one of the most important persons of his day as a result of his charity, business savvy, and love of music.

A talented violinist who played in a string quartet was Andrew Carnegie. He was renowned for his exquisite musicianship and improvisational skills. He frequently performed in front of audiences in addition to playing for friends and family. For Carnegie, playing the violin brought him enormous delight and allowed him to unwind and unwind. He wanted to spread his love of music and the idea that it can be a strong force for good in the world.

Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” was one of Carnegie’s favourites. He also loves performing folk songs and current hits. He was a talented musician, and many people like his songs.

12. He Was A Talented Violinist

A talented violinist who played in a string quartet was Andrew Carnegie. He was renowned for his exquisite musicianship and improvisational skills. He frequently performed in front of audiences in addition to playing for friends and family. For Carnegie, playing the violin brought him enormous delight and allowed him to unwind and unwind. He wanted to spread his love of music and the idea that it can be a strong force for good in the world.

Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” was one of Carnegie’s favourites. He also loves performing folk songs and current hits. He was a talented musician, and many people like his songs. Despite how frequently it is disregarded, music played a crucial role in Carnegie’s life. He found enormous satisfaction in it, and it made him feel closer to other people. It also motivated him to support music education initiatives in his neighbourhood as a way of giving back. Carnegie’s passion for music serves as a reminder that even accomplished people can delight in uncomplicated pleasures.

13. He Was A Member Of Freemasons And The Knights of Pythias

Additionally, he belonged to the Freemasons and the Knights of Pythias, two fraternal groups. A fraternal group called the Freemasons was established in the 17th century. It is a covert organization recognized for its symbols and rituals. Another fraternal organization that dates back to the 19th century is the Knights of Pythias. Its catchphrase is “Friendship, Love, and Truth.”

The fact that Carnegie belonged to these groups is frequently interpreted as evidence of his dedication to service and fraternity. He thought that these groups could contribute to the creation of a society that is more fair and just. He also thought that they could give their members a sense of belonging and community.

The Freemasons and Knights of Pythias affiliations of Carnegie are just two examples of his rich and multidimensional nature. Though he was a guy of many contradictions, he nevertheless had a broad sense of ambition. His legacy will go on forever, and others are still motivated by his tale today.

14. Andrew Was A Vegetarian

A fascinating and complex character, Andrew Carnegie. He was a self-made millionaire who made his money in the steel business; he also practiced vegetarianism and abstinence from alcohol. He also believed that alcohol was a negative force and that a vegetarian diet was healthier and more moral.

Carnegie was not merely a vegetarian for personal reasons. Additionally, he was a fervent supporter of vegetarianism and thought that it may contribute to a better society. He established a vegetarian restaurant in New York City in addition to penning numerous articles and books on the issue.

Teetotalism was not merely a lifestyle choice for Carnegie. He intended to contribute to the reduction of alcohol consumption since he thought it was a big contributor to both poverty and crime. He spoke out against alcohol consumption and gave money to groups that supported moderation.

At the time, people frequently saw Carnegie’s vegetarianism and teetotalism as odd, although both beliefs are now more commonplace. He was a pioneer in the struggle for public health and animal rights, and his legacy continues to motivate people everywhere.

15. The Carnegie Hall in New York City Is One of Carnegie’s Cherished Endeavours

The Carnegie Hall at Night. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Carnegie was a fervent advocate for the humanities and sciences, and he gave millions of dollars to help research institutions, libraries, and museums all around the world.

Building Carnegie Hall in New York City is one of Carnegie’s most illustrious charitable endeavours. One of the most well-known performance venues in the world, Carnegie Hall has played host to some of the finest musicians in history. Additionally, Carnegie provided funding for the building of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, a renowned research centre that has significantly advanced science and technology.

The philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie made the arts and sciences more widely available. He felt that everyone should have access to the arts and to the discoveries of science. His contributions made it possible to establish organizations that continue to improve the lives of people all around the world.

16. He Was Keen On Education Matters And Supported Various Institutions

In order to fund research and education around the world, Carnegie established the Carnegie Corporation of New York in 1911. Carnegie had a strong belief in the potential of education.

In the past century, the Carnegie Corporation of New York has provided funding for thousands of initiatives, including the establishment of libraries, schools, and colleges; the creation of innovative teaching strategies; and the encouragement of scientific research. The Corporation has also contributed significantly to the growth of international education and has worked to advance intercultural harmony.

 The Carnegie Corporation of New York is working to improve education access for all people and to create a better society for coming generations.

17. The Philanthropist Established The Carnegie Corporation of New York

The Carnegie Corporation of New York, which supports global research and education, was established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911.

In the past century, the Carnegie Corporation of New York has provided funding for thousands of initiatives, including the establishment of libraries, schools, and colleges; the creation of innovative teaching strategies; and the encouragement of scientific research. The Corporation has also contributed significantly to the growth of international education and has worked to advance intercultural harmony.

Today, Carnegie’s outlook on the value of education is still important.  The Carnegie Corporation of New York is working to improve education access for all people and to create a better society for coming generations.

18. Carnegie’s Thoughts On Riches Reveal His Conflicting Nature

Carnegie’s thoughts on riches reveal his conflicting nature. He believed that the wealthy had a moral duty to give back to society, but he also thought that hard labor and self-discipline might lead to prosperity. He was a self-made man who thought that anyone could succeed provided they were prepared to work hard.

Because of his complexity and contradictions, Carnegie is a fascinating person. He was an accomplished and talented man, yet he also had defects and paradoxes. He serves as a reminder that not everyone is who they seem to be, and that even the most successful individuals can have complicated and occasionally problematic personalities.

19. Carnegie Believed That The Wealthy Had A Moral Duty To Contribute Back To Society

Despite his belief that the government shouldn’t meddle in the economy, Carnegie thought that the wealthy had a moral duty to contribute back to society. He strongly favoured laissez-faire capitalism and held that the free market was the most effective way to generate prosperity.

Additionally, Carnegie thought that labour unions were a danger to the free market. He thought that unions were too strong and could harm the economy. He used his fortune to back politicians who opposed unions, and he also contributed to the establishment of groups whose goal it was to crush unions.

The legacy of Andrew Carnegie is intricate and varied. He was a powerful and wealthy guy who utilized his resources to shape many facets of society. He made his imprint on the globe in many different ways as a politician, businessman, and philanthropist.

20. Thousands of people, including President Woodrow Wilson, showed up for his funeral.

President Woodrow Wilson. , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

On August 11, 1919, at his residence in Lenox, Massachusetts, Scottish-American billionaire and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie passed away quietly while sleeping. Age-wise, he was 83. In Tarrytown, New York’s Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, he was laid to rest.

One of the richest men in the world, Carnegie utilized his wealth to support a variety of charitable initiatives. He gave money to fund the construction of universities, schools, and libraries all around the world. Additionally, he established the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, which works to advance international harmony and understanding. Thousands of people, including President Woodrow Wilson, showed up for his funeral.

He was truly a man who was loved and hated in equal measures and his name will remain in the history books for a long time.