Carnegie's Biography

Author: Peter Klar
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: He was an entrepreneur who pioneered American industrial history, a creator of modern business models, and a steel giant on par with J.P. Morgan and John D. Rockefeller; he was the world's first billionaire in today's terms, far surpassing Bill Gates; he donated all his wealth in his lifetime and dedicated himself to world peace, influencing the direction of Western politics, and setting wealth standards for all millionaires and philanthropists. Carnegie was one of the greatest merchants in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was energetic, fearless, and remained optimistic even on his deathbed, to the point of being overly so. He was sometimes sincere and sometimes hypocritical; sometimes practical and sometimes flamboyant. He was a great man, but he was not always a good man. He could see new areas of development that others could not, and his passion for life and his ability to entertain himself earned him respect or hatred. — American business historian Richard Tedlow
Carnegie was one of the most important figures in American history. This ruthless businessman amassed a fortune in the steel industry and ultimately donated it all. Peter Klar chronicles the complex life of the industrial titan who rose to prominence during America's "Gilded Age," delving into the inner conflicts of this legendary figure who started by spinning and ultimately built the world's largest and most profitable steel mill. The book details how Carnegie became one of history's greatest philanthropists and how he acquired a reputation for wrongdoing while achieving remarkable success. — American LibraryJournal
This is the most authoritative biography of Carnegie to date, offering a comprehensive account of his legendary life. The author objectively describes the details of Carnegie's life struggles, career successes and failures, and conveys the entrepreneurial spirit and underlying motivations behind his success. The book explores Carnegie's entrepreneurial journey, his business career, and his attitude toward wealth, offering readers profound insights. It is suitable for all who aspire to success and seek guidance, as well as for successful individuals who wish to reflect deeply on wealth. Andrew Carnegie (1835–1919), the American steel magnate. This is a speech he delivered to the graduates of Columbia Business School on June 23, 1885, translated from the 1964 edition of Major Problems in American History published by Dorsey Press. Young people should start from the bottom and take on the most basic roles. That is a good thing. Many successful entrepreneurs in Pittsburgh began their careers with significant responsibilities, sweeping offices with brooms during their early days in business. I have noticed that modern offices are equipped with janitors, which unfortunately deprives our young people of this valuable component of business education. However, if one day the cleaner happens to be absent, a young person with the potential of a future partner should not hesitate to pick up the broom. One day, a fashionable Michigan mother asked a young man if he had ever seen a young woman as chic as her daughter, Priscilla, cleaning a room so elegantly. The young man said he had never seen that, and the mother was overjoyed. But the young man paused and said, "I would like to see her clean outdoors." There is no harm in having a newcomer sweep outside the office if necessary. I myself once worked as a sweeper. If you are all hired and have a good start, my advice to you is: "Be ambitious." I would dismiss any young person who does not see himself as a partner or leader of a major company. Never for a moment be content with being the chief clerk, foreman, or manager of any business, no matter how large; you must tell yourself, "My place is higher." You must yearn to reach the pinnacle. The primary condition and greatest secret of success is to concentrate all your energy and resources on what you do. Once you start in a field, resolve to make a name for yourself, to excel, to improve every detail, to use the best machinery, and to master the field. Failing businesses are those that their resources, thereby dividing their energy. They invest in this and that, here and there; they are everywhere. The saying "Don't put all your eggs in one basket" is completely wrong. I tell you, put all your eggs in one basket and take care of that basket. Watch around you and be alert—those who do so rarely fail. Taking care of that basket is easy, but in our country, many people who want to carry more baskets end up breaking them. Three baskets require one to be held on one's head, making it easy to fall. One of the mistakes of American entrepreneurs is a lack of focus. I summarize what I said as follows: Aim for the top; never touch bars; never drink alcohol, even a little with meals; never speculate; never sign payments exceeding cash reserves; cancel orders only to save the customer; concentrate, put all your eggs in one basket and take care of it; expenses should always be less than income; and finally, do not lose patience, because as Emerson said, "No one can fool you out of your success except yourself."