From the Archives: Andrew Carnegie

RICH MEN SHOULD BE THANKFUL for one inestimable boon. They have it in their power during their lives to busy themselves in organizing benefactions from which the masses of their fellows will derive lasting advantage, and thus dignify their own lives. The highest life is probably to be reached, not by such imitation of the life of Christ as Count Tolstoi gives us, but while animated by Christ’s spirit by recognizing the changed conditions of this age, and adopting modes of expressing this spirit suitable to the changed conditions under which we live, still laboring for the good of our fellows, which was the essence of his life and teaching, but laboring in a different means.

This, then, is held to be the duty of the man of wealth: To set an example of modest, unostentatious living, shunning display or extravagance; to provide moderately for the legitimate wants of those dependent upon him; and, after doing so, to consider all surplus revenues which come to him simply as trust funds, which he is called upon to administer . . . to produce the most beneficial results for the community. (Originally entitled, Wealth, in North American Review, 1889)

By Andrew Carnegie

[Christian History originally published this article in Christian History Issue #19 in 1988]

When “robber baron” Andrew Carnegie (1835–1919) retired from business life, he donated around $350 million to philanthropic causes. From his “rather successful” business enterprises he donated huge sums to and towards universities, libraries, institutes, churches, foundations, etc. For Carnegie, “the surplus wealth of the few will become, in the best sense, the property of the many.”
Next articles

From the Archives: Desiderius Erasmus

The Despising of Riches (c 1488) Based on the translation by Thomas Paynells, as it appeared in the Bethelet edition of 1533.

Desiderius Erasmus

We’re Sorry Gladys . . . But God Can’t Use You in China

Gladys Aylward was told she’d never be able to learn Chinese.

the Editors

Old-Fashioned Wisdom from John Ploughman

This eloquent Baptist preacher of Victorian England was also loved for his earthy wisdom. Our text and engraving are taken from his popular writings John Ploughman’s Talk and John Ploughman’s Pictures. The homespun sage had much to say that, in his words, “would not suit well the pulpit or the Sabbath.”

John Ploughman

Bread and Silver

Wesley’s answer to the tax commissioners.

the Editors
Show more

Subscribe to magazine

Subscription to Christian History magazine is on a donation basis

Subscribe

Support us

Christian History Institute (CHI) is a non-profit Pennsylvania corporation founded in 1982. Your donations support the continuation of this ministry

Donate

Subscribe to daily emails

Containing today’s events, devotional, quote and stories