I.

Introduction

Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919), American industrialist and philanthropist, a founder of the iron and steel industry in the United States, who is noted for his many charitable gifts, especially those founding public libraries. At the age of 33, when he had an annual income of $50,000, Carnegie wrote himself a note, “Beyond this never earn, make no effort to increase fortune, but spend the surplus each year for benevolent purposes.” He did not keep this resolution, but as his fortune grew so did his concern for using his fortune to provide greater opportunity for all.