Why I Believe that Andrew Carnegie Was a Hero

The wealthiest man in the world, in his time, was Andrew Carnegie. His story of success was truly one of rags to riches. Andrew Carnegie grew up in Dunfermline, Scotland and moved along with his family to the United States in the late 1800s. He worked his way up from being a poor Irish immigrant to become one of the most popular industrialists that helped change the U.S steel industry in the late 19th century.

So did the charity of Andrew Carnegie make him a legend or not? Well to begin with, what does it mean to be a philanthropist or be a hero? A philanthropist is a individual who looks for to promote the welfare of others, particularly by the generous donation of money to good causes and to be a hero is to be an individual who is admired or idealized for courage, extraordinary accomplishments, or noble qualities. I believe that Andrew Carnegie was a hero in many ways. Andrew Carnegie was one of the most influential philanthropists, he helped make jobs that employed numerous Americans, and he influenced the American steel industry for the better.

Andrew Carnegie was a hero since he was an extraordinary philanthropist. Carnegie was a strong devotee in philanthropy. He firmly believed that “The duty of the man of wealth (is to) set an example of modest…living..; and ...to consider all surplus revenues… as trust funds… to produce the most beneficial results for the community” (Doc B). In his lifetime, Carnegie donated over $350,000,000 to universities, churches, libraries, and other charities (Doc C). This money he gave away was when he was alive. He said that “(Why should a man) wait until he is dead before he becomes of much good in the world” (Doc B). Carnegie built up the Carnegie Organization and donated $145,000,000. The purpose of the organization was to help colleges, universities, technical schools, and scientific research. Andrew Carnegie was a hero because he choose to donate his money when he was alive to the community for the greater good of everyone including those who he owed nothing to.

To sum it all up, Andrew Carnegie was hero because he was capable, dependable, and philanthropic. Andrew Carnegie had attempted his best in life to make his families and other people’s life better and less demanding. Since Carnegie was born into poverty, he understood the feelings of the poor, and when he became wealthy, he wanted to try to help those who are less fortunate to become a bit more fortunate to live better lives. In spite of the fact that a few of his choices were not exceptionally good, he worked hard and wanted to do what he thought was best. Everybody makes mistakes time to time. That is why I believe that Andrew Carnegie was a hero.