Carnegie-Autobio of Andrew Carnegie

Very nice one

The year is 1848. A young man aged 17 arrives in America together with his mother. They join relatives who had already settled in Pittsburg. Find out what happens next in his own words.Of course, this is not fiction; it is the life story of Andrew Carnegie who went on to become super rich through Iron and Steel production centered in Pittsburg USA. The book paints a fascinating picture of America in that period, of the opportunities available as it built telegraph networks, railways, bridges and vast amounts of infrastructure.Perhaps Carnegie is more famous because of what he did with his money after he had built a fortune.The book is not long, about 300 pages and well worth a read if you like biographies as I do.

Andrew Carnegie comes across as a strongly ethical man, who holds a deep respect for fairness and hard work. Born in Scotland, Carnegie immigrated to America with his family when he was 13, and got his first job in a cotton mill, working 12 hours a day. He slowly worked his way up from a messenger boy in the Ohio Telegraph Company to the superintendent of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and finally to a steel magnate and one of the richest men in the world.His Autobiography is incredibly well written and is full of anecdotes and advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. Moreover, Carnegie explains his philosophy of philanthropy, explaining how you should live the first third of your life learning, the second earning money, and the third giving that money away. Carnegie gave away close to $350 million (around 90% of his fortune), building libraries, community centres and colleges around the world (there were even Carnegie libraries in Cape Town).Carnegie is the quintessential self-made man, and his philanthropy focused on providing the poor with a similar platform to educate themselves and achieve success in life. I have the feeling that Carnegie is often painted as a soulless capitalist, who acquired his fortune exploiting the impoverished workers of America, and then gave away his money as a way to clear his conscience. However, I don't think that this description is very fair. I also wonder how many other entrepreneurs nowadays (Steve Jobs, Bill gates, Phil Knight) would be painted with a similar brush had their factories operated in the US, employing US citizens.Major Takeaways: Self-education is just as valuable as formal education, (ii) Supporting your family should be your primary focus, (ii) Travel and learn about other cultures (iv) Try to avoid competition.

Andrew Carnegie grew up in humble beginnings to become the Richest Man in the World and then gave it all away. To quote the great man "the millionaire will be but a trustee for the poor". What an amazing man, not only that but Mr Carnegie left a blueprint for us all to follow in the form of a book called "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. If you can only buy two books this year make it these two, they will change your life. Yes really.

Very enlightning book - Carnegie growing up through to multi millionaire status. Final chapters deal with the period after he retired and concentrated on giving away his fortune. He comes over as a very straightforward Scot , down to earth and fair. Enjoyed the book very much.

havent managed to get through it all but purchase the Gospel of Wealth - brilliantgiving back is life