Andrew Carnegie.
Visiting the Carnegie Museums in Pittsburgh brought back memories. I grew up with school field trips to the museum. I also took art lessons on Saturday mornings there. (I would be picked up by my father and change into my little league football uniform in the Liberty Tunnel.) Connecting the trip to Pittsburgh to New York was enlightening. I realized the extent to which my values have been affected by the likes of Theodore Roosevelt, Andrew Carnegie, and others.
I have read “Gospel of Wealth” and other writings of Andrew Carnegie numerous times. I reflect on these often.
One of my favorite quotes of Andrew Carnegie is: “As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do.” I respect the approach Carnegie had to life. Starting with next to nothing, he grew a tremendous wealth. More importantly, he put his wealth to use for the benefit of others. Carnegie new that there would always be a gulf between the rich and poor. This, he believed, is essential. With such wealth, there is great responsibility.
Carnegie knew that without people of great wealth there would be no libraries, museums, and civic centers. If wealth were evenly distributed, there would be no incentive to give to such for such purposes. (This impacts my interpretation of “The Tragedy of the Commons” by Garrett Hardin.) Carnegie’s legacy demonstrates that he acted on what he said. Across the country, numerous institutions bear his name. During our visit to Pittsburgh, I drove through the town of Carnegie, saw Carnegie-Mellon University, visited Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Museum of Art, and recalled the frequent visits to the Carnegie Library. Of course, everyone knows of Carnegie Hall in New York (few may not be aware of there is also a Carnegie Music Hall in his hometown of Dumfermline, Scotland). He also founded Lauder College in Scotland (named after the uncle, who encouraged him to get an education), which now bears the name Carnegie College. His legacy not only includes museums, schools, concert halls, and cities, but a dinosaur (Diplodocus carnegiei), a cactus (Carnegiea gigantea), the Carnegie Medal for children’s literature, as well as other foundations and awards, bear his name. These are all because he saw that wealth is to be spent for the benefit of others.
Like Roosevelt, Carnegie promoted the necessity of a work ethic. He said, “You cannot push any one up a ladder unless he be willing to climb a little himself.” These were not “pull yourself up by the bootstraps” men. These know that effort must be met with opportunity. I have great appreciation for this philosophy. Certainly, this has impacted my beliefs about education.
Carnegie tells us to work hard and take advantage of the cultural and educational opportunities afforded us. As we become successful, we are obligated to give back.
I am grateful for my education and the opportunities. I have been blessed to experience the Carnegie legacy. As well, I am obligated to pass it on.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!