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Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie
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416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1920
About the author
Andrew Carnegie
660 books218 followersScottish-born American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie amassed a fortune in the steel industry and donated millions of dollars for the benefit of the public.
He led the enormous expansion in the late 19th century. He built a leadership role for the British Empire. During the last 18 years of his life, he gave away $350 million (in 2011, $225 billion), almost nine-tenths, to charities, foundations, and universities. His article, proclaiming "The Gospel of Wealth," in 1889 called on the rich to use their wealth to improve society, and it stimulated a wave.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_...
He led the enormous expansion in the late 19th century. He built a leadership role for the British Empire. During the last 18 years of his life, he gave away $350 million (in 2011, $225 billion), almost nine-tenths, to charities, foundations, and universities. His article, proclaiming "The Gospel of Wealth," in 1889 called on the rich to use their wealth to improve society, and it stimulated a wave.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
July 9, 2015
Being a librarian, I have of course heard about Andrew Carnegie. Most of my knowledge, however, is about his funding of libraries. I knew very little about his early life and how he made his fortune. I am always a bit leary of autobiographies because most people are not objective when writing about themselves. Carnegie seemed to live a charmed life where everything pretty much goes his way and his way is up, up, up. He starts out in telegraphs and moves on to railroads and then on to steel and then to being one of the richest men in America. According to him, he was a friend to the working man, the black man and the rich and powerful. I'm not sure how those people would characterize him, but it doesn't seem likely that everyone loved "Andy" like he says they did. That aside, his story is fascinating. However, the autobiography is not. It is pretty boring for the most part. For one thing, it was written in the early 1900s near the end of Carnegie's life. Carnegie also name drops like crazy. This wouldn't be horrible if I knew who most of the people were or if most modern readers would know who they were. However, I am pretty sure only a student of history would recognize most of the names. These two things make the reading pretty hard to get through. I think I would have been better served by a biography instead of Carnegie's own words.
February 27, 2017
This book was fascinating, inspirational, and incredibly naïve.
When Carnegie is telling stories about people and moments that impacted his life, I was enthralled and inspired. He not only shows the value in little moments, but he also embraces the unique value in each person.
When Carnegie looks to the future his attitude reflects the reckless optimism of the time. An example of this is how he looks to the Kaiser of Germany to lead the world in establishing peace. He is convinced that world peace will happen and that the emperor of Germany will be the linchpin. But as students of history, we have the hindsight of years and I just wanted to yell at him and say that within 10 years, the first of two bloody wars will show that world peace is nowhere near eminent.
While Carnegie is inspirational in his accomplishments, his political and religious views are innocent and dangerous. He is fashionable for the time in his belief that evolution promises improvement of society and that all religions are the same. This, of course, was easy to believe before economic depression, world wars, the rise of radical islam, and oppression in the form of communism all lead to 100 of the most bloody and conflict prone years of human history.
Carnegie was a man of his time, a titan of business, an engaging write, and a story teller for the ages, this book shows him at his best and at his most naïve.
When Carnegie is telling stories about people and moments that impacted his life, I was enthralled and inspired. He not only shows the value in little moments, but he also embraces the unique value in each person.
When Carnegie looks to the future his attitude reflects the reckless optimism of the time. An example of this is how he looks to the Kaiser of Germany to lead the world in establishing peace. He is convinced that world peace will happen and that the emperor of Germany will be the linchpin. But as students of history, we have the hindsight of years and I just wanted to yell at him and say that within 10 years, the first of two bloody wars will show that world peace is nowhere near eminent.
While Carnegie is inspirational in his accomplishments, his political and religious views are innocent and dangerous. He is fashionable for the time in his belief that evolution promises improvement of society and that all religions are the same. This, of course, was easy to believe before economic depression, world wars, the rise of radical islam, and oppression in the form of communism all lead to 100 of the most bloody and conflict prone years of human history.
Carnegie was a man of his time, a titan of business, an engaging write, and a story teller for the ages, this book shows him at his best and at his most naïve.
August 14, 2016
This was an amazing memoir of a man who was an incredible human being. Published after his death he shares his thoughts, life experiences, stories, favorite quotes. I have always associated Carnegie with libraries, rightly so but he was so much more. I would recommended this book to everyone, we have much to learn from him.
July 12, 2024
Andrew Carnegie was brilliant, a hard worker, and fair. When he died his net worth was $300,000,000. In today’s money that’s over $54 billion. I am willing to listen or read anything that he has to say or write.
August 7, 2017
My only bits of knowledge of Andrew Carnegie were a few anecdotes I had heard about him earning a fortune in the steel industry and how he later gave much of that money away. This book more than filled in the blanks, as well as providing me with an interesting read.
Mr. Carnegie began his autobiography with a history of his family in Scotland before moving on to describe their plans and eventual move to the United States. The first two-thirds of the book are mostly in chronological order, allowing readers to experience Mr. Carnegie’s life and his experiences in the business world. The book is written in an engaging style, and it is easy to imagine yourself sitting by the fire with a drink in hand while speaking directly with the author.
There were added bonuses to the book, the first being the many words of wisdom Mr. Carnegie included as part of his recollections. These range from “A great business is seldom if ever built up, except on lines of the strictest integrity” to “He that cannot reason is a fool, He that will not is a bigot, He that dare not is a slave.” Along with Mr. Carnegie’s thoughts we are also rewarded with a view of American history during the nineteenth century. I don’t believe this was his intention, and thus he reveals an unguarded view of the world as it used to be.
The last third of the book are chapters that Mr. Carnegie probably felt would be better presented as subjects having their own sections rather than trying to include them in the chronological portion. Most of these chapters cover other people living at the same time, and Mr. Carnegie’s interactions with them.
Overall, a very interesting book that compelled me to take my time, stepping back in history and sharing the life and thoughts of a successful businessman. Five stars.
Mr. Carnegie began his autobiography with a history of his family in Scotland before moving on to describe their plans and eventual move to the United States. The first two-thirds of the book are mostly in chronological order, allowing readers to experience Mr. Carnegie’s life and his experiences in the business world. The book is written in an engaging style, and it is easy to imagine yourself sitting by the fire with a drink in hand while speaking directly with the author.
There were added bonuses to the book, the first being the many words of wisdom Mr. Carnegie included as part of his recollections. These range from “A great business is seldom if ever built up, except on lines of the strictest integrity” to “He that cannot reason is a fool, He that will not is a bigot, He that dare not is a slave.” Along with Mr. Carnegie’s thoughts we are also rewarded with a view of American history during the nineteenth century. I don’t believe this was his intention, and thus he reveals an unguarded view of the world as it used to be.
The last third of the book are chapters that Mr. Carnegie probably felt would be better presented as subjects having their own sections rather than trying to include them in the chronological portion. Most of these chapters cover other people living at the same time, and Mr. Carnegie’s interactions with them.
Overall, a very interesting book that compelled me to take my time, stepping back in history and sharing the life and thoughts of a successful businessman. Five stars.
January 5, 2010
OK, I'd give it 3.5 stars. Carnegie is actually a very good writer, well-versed in literacy and history and politics. If I were better versed in those things I'd have rated it higher, but the book dragged a bit for me because of all the things/places/people I didn't know much about (but probably should). I very much enjoyed learning about his life and his rise from poverty, was impressed by his work ethic and morals, and was amazed at his society - he mingled with presidents from our country and others and seemed to be friends with anyone who was anyone (Mark Twain, Matthew Arnold, and many more). After the building of his companies he was involved in such things as diplomacy and of course finding outlets for his philanthropy. I came away with a great respect for and admiration of him and what he accomplished; I now probably need to read a more unbiased account of his biography to get the whole story. :)
May 5, 2016
If only our leaders would read this!
In Carnegie’s day, his colleagues didn’t want him there when they were negotiating labor disputes. The horrible violence of these strikes, killing some striking laborers, happened when Carnegie was vacationing in his native Scotland. Carnegie said economy stands on a three-legged stool, and those legs are capital, management, and labor; a stable stool needs the three legs to be equal.
The facts of Carnegie’s life are fascinating. His lectures on business should be required reading. This is a book I intend to read over and over. I suggest you read it too.
In Carnegie’s day, his colleagues didn’t want him there when they were negotiating labor disputes. The horrible violence of these strikes, killing some striking laborers, happened when Carnegie was vacationing in his native Scotland. Carnegie said economy stands on a three-legged stool, and those legs are capital, management, and labor; a stable stool needs the three legs to be equal.
The facts of Carnegie’s life are fascinating. His lectures on business should be required reading. This is a book I intend to read over and over. I suggest you read it too.
January 14, 2013
First half was enjoyable to read, but the last half was awful. For heck sakes "Andy" you were one of the richest men in the 19th century, but your writing about yourself was boring....He did give lots of background on the way he came up and I did enjoy several bits of wisdom for many different situations. However, it was a tad bit boring and I don't think he was as nice to his employees as he made it:) I'm glad I read it and understand the man that made the industry in which I make a living at. I want to read an biography not written by him next.
August 17, 2014
I listened to the audible version and enjoyed it very much. The accent of the performer lent an air of authenticity to the book that I enjoyed. Liked hearing about the mans life from his own point of view. Will follow it with a less biased version at some point to see how they compare, but this was very well written and well performed.
December 1, 2019
A good reminiscence of the great Carnegie himself.
Well worth reading to see what makes a high achieving optimist tick as he was the embodiment of that kind of personality:
"The world seems bright to me, and earth is often a real heaven—so happy I am and so thankful to the kind fates."
A cunning businessman and very effective thinker with high moral standards who tried to understand every person that crossed his path. He was also a pacifist who genuinely wanted to make the world a better place, always looking and trying for different ways to solve a problem or a conflict.
Quite inspiring and a warm read that will make you try to be a better person through self-improvement and treating others around you with understanding and diplomatic approach.
Strong 4/5
Well worth reading to see what makes a high achieving optimist tick as he was the embodiment of that kind of personality:
"The world seems bright to me, and earth is often a real heaven—so happy I am and so thankful to the kind fates."
A cunning businessman and very effective thinker with high moral standards who tried to understand every person that crossed his path. He was also a pacifist who genuinely wanted to make the world a better place, always looking and trying for different ways to solve a problem or a conflict.
Quite inspiring and a warm read that will make you try to be a better person through self-improvement and treating others around you with understanding and diplomatic approach.
Strong 4/5
May 27, 2026
He was a bit long winded ole Carnegie. But man the stories he told - meeting emperors, dining with presidents, befriending royalty… what a life he lived.
It was interesting to me that his business ventures seemed to only make up the first 40% or so of the book. the latter was much of his philanthropic efforts and his pursuits after finishing his time in business.
it’s a shame the old habits of the rich being philanthropic to their cities and communities is no longer a celebrated and established responsibility of the well endowed. if i ever make many millions myself, i hope i recollect his willingness to donate buildings to his community and to create trusts to provide for and retire his former employees.
what a great man.
It was interesting to me that his business ventures seemed to only make up the first 40% or so of the book. the latter was much of his philanthropic efforts and his pursuits after finishing his time in business.
it’s a shame the old habits of the rich being philanthropic to their cities and communities is no longer a celebrated and established responsibility of the well endowed. if i ever make many millions myself, i hope i recollect his willingness to donate buildings to his community and to create trusts to provide for and retire his former employees.
what a great man.
January 31, 2018
I enjoyed this book, especially the first part. I realized that I had heard of his accomplishments, but I didn't know that much about his early life or his later years. (I have heard people sum up his later years by saying "and he gave away all his money". There's a bit more to it than that that thankfully this book goes into.) It's written very well and was an enjoyable read. It's amazing how many important people in history he met. If you are a bit of a history buff, I think you would enjoy this book.
July 21, 2019
This book is two parts, his early life and his retirement from business and of which the latter is by far more interesting. If someone has read HOW TO BE RICH by J. Paul Getty then there are considerable similarities between how the two men speak on this point. They became wealthy and tried to spend it the best way they felt possible. They both tried to be amicable to labor. Getty secured an empire of art and copyright. Carnegie gave to churches, believed wholeheartedly in the American Republic and gave to causes that advanced liberty. He gave to the study of infectious diseases. Carnegie was a dreamer and believed in the longer thrust of history and his power to help it move in the way he saw most beneficent to the human race. Carnegie supported the sciences, universities, and used his power to meet with and have influence with the world's most powerful people and minds hoping for something we take perilously for granted post World-War 2 - an international system for peace and human rights.
This section of the book can come across as a journal and a slog as Carnegie at this stage in his life is effectively retired and wealthy and speaking on how he stayed busy and useful.
The first half of the book is the most engrossing and enlightening and empowers the second half. Empowering in that it bears reminding that the man who is now meeting with Presidents, world leaders, scientists, university presidents, was a poor boy from Scotland... .
Carnegie moved to America as a 13 year old boy amidst a loan from a family member and the Carnegie's believed completely in this country as the land of liberty and opportunity. His family were cottage industry loom workers who went bust in the wake of the industrial revolution. Andrew lived in a home that believed in America's experiment in the rebirth of democracy and Republican form of government, something they weren't receiving in Scotland with a national church and Scotland being under the crown. Carnegie lived an interesting life as a radical Scot in that he grew up in a neighborhood that was generally of the same politics, so he was able to receive favorable treatment he writes from teachers and this combined with his parents letting him dictate terms of his education meant from an early age Carnegie was independently minded.
However, lest anyone think he lacked love for his country of birth, Carnegie offers a powerful glimpse into his feelings upon leaving home that carry the full thrust of feeling - speaking in old age of a childhood moment with remarkable lucidity, the imprinting of the Abbey bell and feelings of home as he left for the New World.
From here, if the reader is looking for the insight of Carnegie's rise from rags to riches, is where his story begins in earnest. He wants to be useful to his family and help them get out of debt. They believe as a unit in their ability as a family and of America's willingness to reward work. A young
Andrew and his Father would rise before the dawn and work in a textile mill. They worked 12 hours a day, six days a week, for the modern equivalent of $35 dollars a week ($1.20 a week). Carnegie says he dealt with the hardship by his pride of being useful, of helping the family, getting a piece of the American dream. In fact Carnegie describes it as hardwork, but never a hardship. This then is surely the first lesson of Andrew's life: he had an ambitious and optimistic outlook and was willing to accept it wouldn't be roses in the process. Largely his is the story of ambition manifest.
His Father quite the textile mill and went back to the loom, meanwhile the Scottish foreman took a liking to Andrew and he was moved up to the boiler room where the stress and forms wrecked his digestion and caused him to vomit, but he was felt that if he lost breakfast it only made dinner better and so he labored for two dollars a week.
However, this struggle conditioned the young man to see his next job as his Uncle asked the family to move to the newly rebuilding Pittsburgh (yes, we can thank Andrew Carnegie as to why Pittsburgh became a steel-town) and become a messenger boy. Carnegie leaped at the opportunity, wore his best Sunday clothes (all he owned) and told the owner he'd start on the spot. So, a 16 year old Carnegie is conditioned from 13 years old to work 12 hour days six days a week and has been galvanized by some of the hardest conditions industrial work had to offer at the time now gets to be outside, ride a bike, and see the Sun. Carnegie sees this as a massive upgrade, and takes full advantage and this where the second lesson of Carnegie's life begins to take ship: he grabs opportunity, never letting it slip. As Carnegie grows in wealth he becomes more strategic about what he says yes and what he says no to, but in his early life in Pittsburgh Carnegie - growing up quicker than most - effectively has his college years. He has last interaction with his Father in the trip prior to Pittsburgh.
A thought here on the time period, we live in a time of anxiety and ill-ease because it takes us an hour to get a town sixty miles away or that we can fly from Ohio to Florida in two hours. Carnegie's family rode a river boat up the Cuyahoga River where they had flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and the like assault them mercilessly. The journey was seen as an upgrade over the weeks it used to take. During his lifetime the trip goes from taking days to hours via train. A trip we can now take in an afternoon. Carnegie worked extremely hard, that was the fundamental obvious lesson of his life - his family viewed indolence as disgraceful - they came over with English-Scot sensibilities still prevalent in American society. One gets on by through the sweat of their brow. Everything was harder, took longer, and was generally more dangerous, yet besides the bone breaking labor a great many of these folks had to endure they're on the whole less stressed out. We have machines to wash our dishes and laundries, robots to vacuum and mow, self-driving cars are becoming the new normal and yet we're a generation that struggles with depression and anxiety. This is only a thought to which I have no answer.
Carnegie's third vital lesson is that the man was intelligent. He joined the Webster's society. A Colonel Anderson believes books should be open to the masses (a lesson of beneficence Carnegie later remembers in opening his own libraries) and Carnegie took full advantage. His harder weeks on the job he says were gotten through knowing he could look forward to the next book from the library. Andrew didn't waste time, in between messages he read, he saw plays, he honed his debating skills, and always looked for a way to get better at his job. He learned how to read telegrams, then became a marvel at his job as one of the few men able to translate messages by sound. As Carnegie's ability to serve and skills were enlarged and sharpened he became more and more a vital asset to his company, he led them as he effectively unionized the messenger boys so as to insure they worked with one another rather than against in getting messages that offered large tips. He was able to pay off his families debt - which he took as one of the greatest moments in his life, next to the first paycheck he received from the textile mill. Then, at 18 years old, the leader of the messenger boys, a consummate reader, and for all intensive perhaps the best at his job all around (another thing to note, Carnegie tends to become the best at whatever he is doing at the time), he jumps at another opportunity - a railroad man Thomas A. Scott was hiring company telegraph operators and despite his old bosses wanting him to stay, Carnegie saw rail as being the future. Andrew was now making the modern equivalent of $120 dollars a week ($4.00) - quite a rise from the textile mills and fresh from Scotland working at a modern $35 dollars to making $120 a week.
Scott takes Carnegie in as impressed by the young man and begins to give Carnegie more responsibility and this he makes use of. He begins to help direct Scott with his investments and management of the railroad business. Carnegie begins to save and build capital, meanwhile continuing to learn and build ideas. Andrew sees the future as sleeping cars and first class travel, perhaps inspired by his rough going from his families trip to Pittsburgh. Remarkably, as the Civil War breaks out, Carnegie - already brushing shoulders with the powerful men of the time period as a messenger boy - will get to witness through the railroad's work in the war some of the most prominent people in American history. He meets Lincoln and gets to spend time around him a few times in his capacity as a telegraph messenger, describing the man as full of energy and intellect. Carnegie was an ardent defender and supporter of General Grant. Andrew saw America as hope. The Republic and our Union as the symbol and living embodiment of the freedom he didn't feel in Scotland. Ultimately he had escaped from a land he saw as having been tyrannical in its religious views and non-democratic, he was going to be damned to see it extinguished.
The brief of Carnegie's views and his place in this time period is that he was brought to dinner by New York Democrats sympathetic to the Southern Cause, the wife of the home was distraught. She told Carnegie that she couldn't believe it her son was forced to sit next to a negro at West Point, and had he ever heard of such a thing as Negroes getting into West Point. Carnegie responds, "more terrible yet, I hear they even let them into heaven."
She exclaims, "Oh, that's different."
Carnegie will rise to be the steel baron, a business magnate, ultimately to many an icon and symbol of the American Dream. There is little different in his rise from he working in rail to steel, he applies the same principles: he focuses and directs his efforts, he brings his full ability to bear on the work, he constantly learns, adapts, and makes decisions. Carnegie brings the same ability to learn new skills and adapt to steel - America made pig iron, he'd bring over the engineers, learn what needed learning, and by the time he was done we were the greatest manufacturer of Steel the world had known. The rest, as they say, you know.
This section of the book can come across as a journal and a slog as Carnegie at this stage in his life is effectively retired and wealthy and speaking on how he stayed busy and useful.
The first half of the book is the most engrossing and enlightening and empowers the second half. Empowering in that it bears reminding that the man who is now meeting with Presidents, world leaders, scientists, university presidents, was a poor boy from Scotland... .
Carnegie moved to America as a 13 year old boy amidst a loan from a family member and the Carnegie's believed completely in this country as the land of liberty and opportunity. His family were cottage industry loom workers who went bust in the wake of the industrial revolution. Andrew lived in a home that believed in America's experiment in the rebirth of democracy and Republican form of government, something they weren't receiving in Scotland with a national church and Scotland being under the crown. Carnegie lived an interesting life as a radical Scot in that he grew up in a neighborhood that was generally of the same politics, so he was able to receive favorable treatment he writes from teachers and this combined with his parents letting him dictate terms of his education meant from an early age Carnegie was independently minded.
However, lest anyone think he lacked love for his country of birth, Carnegie offers a powerful glimpse into his feelings upon leaving home that carry the full thrust of feeling - speaking in old age of a childhood moment with remarkable lucidity, the imprinting of the Abbey bell and feelings of home as he left for the New World.
From here, if the reader is looking for the insight of Carnegie's rise from rags to riches, is where his story begins in earnest. He wants to be useful to his family and help them get out of debt. They believe as a unit in their ability as a family and of America's willingness to reward work. A young
Andrew and his Father would rise before the dawn and work in a textile mill. They worked 12 hours a day, six days a week, for the modern equivalent of $35 dollars a week ($1.20 a week). Carnegie says he dealt with the hardship by his pride of being useful, of helping the family, getting a piece of the American dream. In fact Carnegie describes it as hardwork, but never a hardship. This then is surely the first lesson of Andrew's life: he had an ambitious and optimistic outlook and was willing to accept it wouldn't be roses in the process. Largely his is the story of ambition manifest.
His Father quite the textile mill and went back to the loom, meanwhile the Scottish foreman took a liking to Andrew and he was moved up to the boiler room where the stress and forms wrecked his digestion and caused him to vomit, but he was felt that if he lost breakfast it only made dinner better and so he labored for two dollars a week.
However, this struggle conditioned the young man to see his next job as his Uncle asked the family to move to the newly rebuilding Pittsburgh (yes, we can thank Andrew Carnegie as to why Pittsburgh became a steel-town) and become a messenger boy. Carnegie leaped at the opportunity, wore his best Sunday clothes (all he owned) and told the owner he'd start on the spot. So, a 16 year old Carnegie is conditioned from 13 years old to work 12 hour days six days a week and has been galvanized by some of the hardest conditions industrial work had to offer at the time now gets to be outside, ride a bike, and see the Sun. Carnegie sees this as a massive upgrade, and takes full advantage and this where the second lesson of Carnegie's life begins to take ship: he grabs opportunity, never letting it slip. As Carnegie grows in wealth he becomes more strategic about what he says yes and what he says no to, but in his early life in Pittsburgh Carnegie - growing up quicker than most - effectively has his college years. He has last interaction with his Father in the trip prior to Pittsburgh.
A thought here on the time period, we live in a time of anxiety and ill-ease because it takes us an hour to get a town sixty miles away or that we can fly from Ohio to Florida in two hours. Carnegie's family rode a river boat up the Cuyahoga River where they had flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and the like assault them mercilessly. The journey was seen as an upgrade over the weeks it used to take. During his lifetime the trip goes from taking days to hours via train. A trip we can now take in an afternoon. Carnegie worked extremely hard, that was the fundamental obvious lesson of his life - his family viewed indolence as disgraceful - they came over with English-Scot sensibilities still prevalent in American society. One gets on by through the sweat of their brow. Everything was harder, took longer, and was generally more dangerous, yet besides the bone breaking labor a great many of these folks had to endure they're on the whole less stressed out. We have machines to wash our dishes and laundries, robots to vacuum and mow, self-driving cars are becoming the new normal and yet we're a generation that struggles with depression and anxiety. This is only a thought to which I have no answer.
Carnegie's third vital lesson is that the man was intelligent. He joined the Webster's society. A Colonel Anderson believes books should be open to the masses (a lesson of beneficence Carnegie later remembers in opening his own libraries) and Carnegie took full advantage. His harder weeks on the job he says were gotten through knowing he could look forward to the next book from the library. Andrew didn't waste time, in between messages he read, he saw plays, he honed his debating skills, and always looked for a way to get better at his job. He learned how to read telegrams, then became a marvel at his job as one of the few men able to translate messages by sound. As Carnegie's ability to serve and skills were enlarged and sharpened he became more and more a vital asset to his company, he led them as he effectively unionized the messenger boys so as to insure they worked with one another rather than against in getting messages that offered large tips. He was able to pay off his families debt - which he took as one of the greatest moments in his life, next to the first paycheck he received from the textile mill. Then, at 18 years old, the leader of the messenger boys, a consummate reader, and for all intensive perhaps the best at his job all around (another thing to note, Carnegie tends to become the best at whatever he is doing at the time), he jumps at another opportunity - a railroad man Thomas A. Scott was hiring company telegraph operators and despite his old bosses wanting him to stay, Carnegie saw rail as being the future. Andrew was now making the modern equivalent of $120 dollars a week ($4.00) - quite a rise from the textile mills and fresh from Scotland working at a modern $35 dollars to making $120 a week.
Scott takes Carnegie in as impressed by the young man and begins to give Carnegie more responsibility and this he makes use of. He begins to help direct Scott with his investments and management of the railroad business. Carnegie begins to save and build capital, meanwhile continuing to learn and build ideas. Andrew sees the future as sleeping cars and first class travel, perhaps inspired by his rough going from his families trip to Pittsburgh. Remarkably, as the Civil War breaks out, Carnegie - already brushing shoulders with the powerful men of the time period as a messenger boy - will get to witness through the railroad's work in the war some of the most prominent people in American history. He meets Lincoln and gets to spend time around him a few times in his capacity as a telegraph messenger, describing the man as full of energy and intellect. Carnegie was an ardent defender and supporter of General Grant. Andrew saw America as hope. The Republic and our Union as the symbol and living embodiment of the freedom he didn't feel in Scotland. Ultimately he had escaped from a land he saw as having been tyrannical in its religious views and non-democratic, he was going to be damned to see it extinguished.
The brief of Carnegie's views and his place in this time period is that he was brought to dinner by New York Democrats sympathetic to the Southern Cause, the wife of the home was distraught. She told Carnegie that she couldn't believe it her son was forced to sit next to a negro at West Point, and had he ever heard of such a thing as Negroes getting into West Point. Carnegie responds, "more terrible yet, I hear they even let them into heaven."
She exclaims, "Oh, that's different."
Carnegie will rise to be the steel baron, a business magnate, ultimately to many an icon and symbol of the American Dream. There is little different in his rise from he working in rail to steel, he applies the same principles: he focuses and directs his efforts, he brings his full ability to bear on the work, he constantly learns, adapts, and makes decisions. Carnegie brings the same ability to learn new skills and adapt to steel - America made pig iron, he'd bring over the engineers, learn what needed learning, and by the time he was done we were the greatest manufacturer of Steel the world had known. The rest, as they say, you know.
September 30, 2022
It is a good read, if you want to get motivated to do something that is otherwise perceived as impossible. Mr Carnegie himself has done it, being born in 1835 in a non-wealthy family. Achieving what he has achieved in his era with his humble beginnings is truly motivating. After all this was way before the internet and all the technologies that have encompassed it. Reaching his level of success then is 100x harder than now. Mr Carnegie is truly an inspiration and the story of his life is incredible.
Having that said, I think that it was presented in a manner that would only show the good qualities of his character and no (real) mention of anything negative. Of course, this is an autobiography, but still even for that it is missing a level of evenness. After all, there is no perfect man, even though everyone likes to depict oneself as the exception of the rule.
Also, the second part can be a bit hard to go through as it is mainly focused on other people and it is not that interesting. Especially due to the various mentions of (unknown) to many people names.
Still, nobody can deny all of the philanthropy that Mr Carnegie did and the positive result it had on many people.
Overall, I would say it it is a fine book to read, especially if you are interested in reading about how other very influential people in history have made their way to the top.
Having that said, I think that it was presented in a manner that would only show the good qualities of his character and no (real) mention of anything negative. Of course, this is an autobiography, but still even for that it is missing a level of evenness. After all, there is no perfect man, even though everyone likes to depict oneself as the exception of the rule.
Also, the second part can be a bit hard to go through as it is mainly focused on other people and it is not that interesting. Especially due to the various mentions of (unknown) to many people names.
Still, nobody can deny all of the philanthropy that Mr Carnegie did and the positive result it had on many people.
Overall, I would say it it is a fine book to read, especially if you are interested in reading about how other very influential people in history have made their way to the top.
October 7, 2016
First why three stars and not more? The writing style is more of a log of major events and not a story. Otherwise, it gives a real insight of his life and actions.
Now about his life in general. Imagine that you are a telegraph operator in early 1800. No internet, no phones, just you and the cable. You instantly become a hub of information since all data passes through you and you obtain confidential information about almost everything that moves through the cable. He brags that he was so good that could translate the incoming messages by "sound" that means that he was able to listen to cables that he was not even responsible for. He tells that knew local businessman inside out, of course, because he knew precisely what they wanted and their business dealings. Aristoteles Onassis did the same thing in Argentina 100 years later, heard about the tobacco trend and went in business overnight.
Now think what PRISM is doing with all the information collected and if we will ever see any solid business coming out of Europe without being invented on the other side of the Atlantic instantaneously. American History 2.0 will say.
Imagine now that since you that good, you are promoted to the War Room operations and President Lincoln is sitting on top of you, day and night giving orders to the troops and Generals of the Civil War. So by the age of 30, you know many business secrets, many business men and you know 2 Presidents personally.
In the book "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln" there was half chapter about the President and his time on the telegraph war room but without mentioning Carnegie. I'm sure that the two man got connected in a very deep way since every loss and win was reported by Carnegie to the President directly.
So 2 points "access to privileged information" and "access to a man with power" helped this poor Scotish boy to rise from rags to riches.
Being poor, helped him to be frugal about spending and he mainly invested in innovation that cut waste and improved production by recycling waste into a quality product. The way that he managed labour seems to be rather a man with a social conscience and his later Philanthropy years most probably prove that.
He didn't like speculators, and he got fooled by them at the end, mainly Morgan, the banker by 100 million dollars. I think that the bankers wanted him out because he started to sound a bit Socialist and without having a boy heir for his empire they manipulated him to sell.
In his involvement in politics in Latin America again showed a more human face and less patronising than the rest. I didn't understand well the game plan with the German emperor but is clear that beyond the point of being an American he was deeply a Scot as well. I'm sure that he hated England and the Queen and is visible in the book but rather in a tactful way.
I started wondering how much of the WW1 was mainly influenced by American interests in the European continent and behind the scenes. This subject needs further investigation.
Finally, back in the statistics over this book and one small finding found ....more on www.sotirism.com
Now about his life in general. Imagine that you are a telegraph operator in early 1800. No internet, no phones, just you and the cable. You instantly become a hub of information since all data passes through you and you obtain confidential information about almost everything that moves through the cable. He brags that he was so good that could translate the incoming messages by "sound" that means that he was able to listen to cables that he was not even responsible for. He tells that knew local businessman inside out, of course, because he knew precisely what they wanted and their business dealings. Aristoteles Onassis did the same thing in Argentina 100 years later, heard about the tobacco trend and went in business overnight.
Now think what PRISM is doing with all the information collected and if we will ever see any solid business coming out of Europe without being invented on the other side of the Atlantic instantaneously. American History 2.0 will say.
Imagine now that since you that good, you are promoted to the War Room operations and President Lincoln is sitting on top of you, day and night giving orders to the troops and Generals of the Civil War. So by the age of 30, you know many business secrets, many business men and you know 2 Presidents personally.
In the book "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln" there was half chapter about the President and his time on the telegraph war room but without mentioning Carnegie. I'm sure that the two man got connected in a very deep way since every loss and win was reported by Carnegie to the President directly.
So 2 points "access to privileged information" and "access to a man with power" helped this poor Scotish boy to rise from rags to riches.
Being poor, helped him to be frugal about spending and he mainly invested in innovation that cut waste and improved production by recycling waste into a quality product. The way that he managed labour seems to be rather a man with a social conscience and his later Philanthropy years most probably prove that.
He didn't like speculators, and he got fooled by them at the end, mainly Morgan, the banker by 100 million dollars. I think that the bankers wanted him out because he started to sound a bit Socialist and without having a boy heir for his empire they manipulated him to sell.
In his involvement in politics in Latin America again showed a more human face and less patronising than the rest. I didn't understand well the game plan with the German emperor but is clear that beyond the point of being an American he was deeply a Scot as well. I'm sure that he hated England and the Queen and is visible in the book but rather in a tactful way.
I started wondering how much of the WW1 was mainly influenced by American interests in the European continent and behind the scenes. This subject needs further investigation.
Finally, back in the statistics over this book and one small finding found ....more on www.sotirism.com
March 13, 2009
This was really excellent, better than I'd expected. Carnegie is a surprisingly good author and his narrative of his life makes for a very interesting read. I'd definitely recommend it for history buffs and people who have an interest in the psychology of a turn-of-the-century industrialist.
Favorite quote, in reference to the telescope at an observatory that he sponsored: "When the monster new glass, three times larger than any existing, is in operation, what revelations are to come! I am assured that if a race inhabits the moon they will be clearly seen."
Favorite quote, in reference to the telescope at an observatory that he sponsored: "When the monster new glass, three times larger than any existing, is in operation, what revelations are to come! I am assured that if a race inhabits the moon they will be clearly seen."
March 23, 2009
Intriguing book about a man who started with nothing, worked hard and valued education (in many forms), became extremely wealthy, then left all his money to charity.
He shares much about his business life from which I saved several quotes. You rarely find his kind of integrity in the business world now-a-days.
He shares much about his business life from which I saved several quotes. You rarely find his kind of integrity in the business world now-a-days.
August 20, 2019
I really enjoyed the first 2/3 of the book, in which AC's learning and business experiences were detailed, The last 2/3, whcih deals with his philanthropy and dealings with politicians, was less interesting.
November 9, 2020
Andrew Carnegie, Ford, Thomas Edision hay Rockerfeller là những người giàu có và được nhiều người coi trọng.
Họ đều xuất thân nghèo khó, bằng sự nỗ lực cố gắng, ham học hỏi, chịu khó, phấn đấu, tạo nên những cách làm mới, dấn thân, quyết đoán và theo đuổi sự nghiệp của mình.
Ở Carnegie, đó là con người nhân văn và nhân đạo. Ông xuất thân là người Scotland, gia đình nghèo khó, kinh tế ban đầu của gia đình đến từ những khung dệt vải thủ công mà cha ông nhận làm khoán cho nhà máy. Sau đó máy dệt cồn nghiệp ra đời, kinh tế gia đình ngày một khó khăn và gia đình quyết định đi tìm miền đất hứa tại Hoa Kỳ.
Tại đây, ông dấn thân với công việc khi còn rất trẻ. Bắt đầu với công việc nặng nhọc và tối tăm dưới tầng hầm người chủ đầu tiên, rồi đến những thăng tiến tiếp theo trong lĩnh vực điện báo. Có thể nhận thấy trong suốt hành trình ấy, Carnegie luôn thể hiện thái độ làm việc nghiêm túc, cầu tiến, ham học hỏi và không nề hà bất cứ việc gì, và nhờ tính ham học hỏi tìm tòi những kiến thức kĩ năng trong quá trình làm việc của mình đã giúp Carnegie có khả năng xử lý yêu cầu công việc mà trước đó chỉ những người chuyên trách được giao vị trí nào đó mới có khả năng thực hiện. Chính điều đó đã tạo nên sự khác biệt giúp ông thành công trong công việc.
Công việc tại công ty đường sắt Pennsylvania cùng với ngài Scott - người có thể coi là có ảnh hưởng lớn và giúp đỡ Carnegie rất nhiều trong giai đoạn đầu trong sự nghiệp của Carnegie cả trong và sau khi ông không còn làm việc tại công ty này.
Carnegie học và học rất nhiều từ công việc của mình, từ những kinh nghiệm mà mình đã trải qua. Ông giữ trong mình những hình tượng anh hùng của xứ Scotland như Burn, Wallace,... Ông thấm nhuần những phẩm chất cao quý và áp dụng vào chính cuộc đời mình. Khi giải quyết quyền lợi giữa người chủ và người lao động, ông rất hiểu và thông cảm, yêu thương, tạo mọi điều kiện tốt nhất cho họ. Bản phúc âm về sự giàu có mà ông viết đã thể hiện rõ điều này. Ông coi làm giàu là để phụng sự xã hội, nên sau khi trở nên giàu có, ông đã mang của cải mà mình đã tích lũy được trong nửa trước của cuộc đời để làm những việc thúc đẩy sự phát triển của nhân loại. Ông tài trợ xây hàng ngàn thư viện khắp thế giới, xây dựng trường đại học, viện nghiên cứu, lập quỹ hưu trí cho công nhân, cho giáo sư và các nhà giáo dục, quỹ anh hùng tôn vinh những tấm gương anh hùng thời hiện đại, xây dựng đền hòa bình vì hòa bình của nhân loại...
Nếu bạn từng là độc giả của Napoleon Hill thì có thể bạn đã từng nghe qua việc Napoleon Hill được Carnegie giao phó sứ mệnh tổng hợp những bài học về thành công để bất cứ ai cũng có thể học theo và trở nên thành công và giàu có. Nhờ đó mà bây giờ bạn có cơ hội được đọc Nghĩ giàu làm giàu, chiến thắng con quỷ trong bạn, .... Carnegie giúp tạo điều kiện cho Napoleon Hill gặp gỡ với những người thành công và cũng như những người chưa thành công. Đó là công trình cả hai mươi mấy năm mà Napoleon Hill đã dành tặng cho nhân loại.
Nhìn lại cuộc đời Carnegie và đem mổ xẻ những nguyên tắc mà Napoleon Hill đã đúc kết ta sẽ thấy ở đó là sự phản ảnh chân thực nhất cho những nguyên tắc ấy.
Khát vọng làm chủ ngành thép, trở nên xuất sắc nhất trong lĩnh vực sắt thép, nhóm trí tuệ ưu tú cùng Scott và những người bạn xuất sắc khác, ...
Họ đều xuất thân nghèo khó, bằng sự nỗ lực cố gắng, ham học hỏi, chịu khó, phấn đấu, tạo nên những cách làm mới, dấn thân, quyết đoán và theo đuổi sự nghiệp của mình.
Ở Carnegie, đó là con người nhân văn và nhân đạo. Ông xuất thân là người Scotland, gia đình nghèo khó, kinh tế ban đầu của gia đình đến từ những khung dệt vải thủ công mà cha ông nhận làm khoán cho nhà máy. Sau đó máy dệt cồn nghiệp ra đời, kinh tế gia đình ngày một khó khăn và gia đình quyết định đi tìm miền đất hứa tại Hoa Kỳ.
Tại đây, ông dấn thân với công việc khi còn rất trẻ. Bắt đầu với công việc nặng nhọc và tối tăm dưới tầng hầm người chủ đầu tiên, rồi đến những thăng tiến tiếp theo trong lĩnh vực điện báo. Có thể nhận thấy trong suốt hành trình ấy, Carnegie luôn thể hiện thái độ làm việc nghiêm túc, cầu tiến, ham học hỏi và không nề hà bất cứ việc gì, và nhờ tính ham học hỏi tìm tòi những kiến thức kĩ năng trong quá trình làm việc của mình đã giúp Carnegie có khả năng xử lý yêu cầu công việc mà trước đó chỉ những người chuyên trách được giao vị trí nào đó mới có khả năng thực hiện. Chính điều đó đã tạo nên sự khác biệt giúp ông thành công trong công việc.
Công việc tại công ty đường sắt Pennsylvania cùng với ngài Scott - người có thể coi là có ảnh hưởng lớn và giúp đỡ Carnegie rất nhiều trong giai đoạn đầu trong sự nghiệp của Carnegie cả trong và sau khi ông không còn làm việc tại công ty này.
Carnegie học và học rất nhiều từ công việc của mình, từ những kinh nghiệm mà mình đã trải qua. Ông giữ trong mình những hình tượng anh hùng của xứ Scotland như Burn, Wallace,... Ông thấm nhuần những phẩm chất cao quý và áp dụng vào chính cuộc đời mình. Khi giải quyết quyền lợi giữa người chủ và người lao động, ông rất hiểu và thông cảm, yêu thương, tạo mọi điều kiện tốt nhất cho họ. Bản phúc âm về sự giàu có mà ông viết đã thể hiện rõ điều này. Ông coi làm giàu là để phụng sự xã hội, nên sau khi trở nên giàu có, ông đã mang của cải mà mình đã tích lũy được trong nửa trước của cuộc đời để làm những việc thúc đẩy sự phát triển của nhân loại. Ông tài trợ xây hàng ngàn thư viện khắp thế giới, xây dựng trường đại học, viện nghiên cứu, lập quỹ hưu trí cho công nhân, cho giáo sư và các nhà giáo dục, quỹ anh hùng tôn vinh những tấm gương anh hùng thời hiện đại, xây dựng đền hòa bình vì hòa bình của nhân loại...
Nếu bạn từng là độc giả của Napoleon Hill thì có thể bạn đã từng nghe qua việc Napoleon Hill được Carnegie giao phó sứ mệnh tổng hợp những bài học về thành công để bất cứ ai cũng có thể học theo và trở nên thành công và giàu có. Nhờ đó mà bây giờ bạn có cơ hội được đọc Nghĩ giàu làm giàu, chiến thắng con quỷ trong bạn, .... Carnegie giúp tạo điều kiện cho Napoleon Hill gặp gỡ với những người thành công và cũng như những người chưa thành công. Đó là công trình cả hai mươi mấy năm mà Napoleon Hill đã dành tặng cho nhân loại.
Nhìn lại cuộc đời Carnegie và đem mổ xẻ những nguyên tắc mà Napoleon Hill đã đúc kết ta sẽ thấy ở đó là sự phản ảnh chân thực nhất cho những nguyên tắc ấy.
Khát vọng làm chủ ngành thép, trở nên xuất sắc nhất trong lĩnh vực sắt thép, nhóm trí tuệ ưu tú cùng Scott và những người bạn xuất sắc khác, ...
February 13, 2026
Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie
Not a rags-to-riches story. A blueprint for legacy construction.
Most people read Carnegie’s autobiography looking for inspiration. That’s the wrong lens.
This book is an operations manual disguised as a memoir. Carnegie spent two-thirds of his life building wealth in steel, then spent the final third systematically giving it all away. Not through emotional charity. Through engineered distribution systems.
He built 2,509 libraries. Not monuments. Infrastructures that outlasted him.
What you’ll actually learn:
Carnegie’s “Gospel of Wealth” essay contains his organizing principle: “The man who dies rich dies disgraced.” He didn’t mean this as virtue signaling. He meant it structurally. If you accumulate wealth or knowledge and it dies with you, you failed the assignment.
His library model is the case study: He funded the building. Communities matched funds for books and operations. This created skin in the game and ensured sustainability. He designed for permanence, not gratitude.
Three patterns worth extracting:
1. Systems over inspiration. Carnegie didn’t rely on motivation. He built operational rhythms that produced results whether he felt inspired or not. His daily routines, his partnership structures, his giving criteria—all systematized.
2. Long-horizon thinking. Every major decision was evaluated on 50-year timelines. He thought in generations, not quarters. This changes what you optimize for.
3. Character formation through constraint. Carnegie was ruthless in business, reflective in legacy. That transition required unlearning. The shift from wealth-building to wealth-distribution wasn’t automatic. It was engineered through new frameworks and deliberate practice.
Where Carnegie fails (and why that matters):
He wasn’t balanced. He was relentless. His workers were exploited during the Homestead Strike. His personal relationships suffered. He made peace with contradictions you might reject.
But his structural genius stands independent of his personal choices. You can learn from his systems without adopting his extremity.
Who should read this:
If you’re mid-career and thinking about legacy, this book reframes the entire question. It’s not about what you accumulate. It’s about what keeps working after you step away.
If you’re building frameworks, teaching systems, or knowledge infrastructures—Carnegie shows you how to design for distribution at scale.
If you’re trying to figure out how to give your work away without it becoming disposable—Carnegie solved that problem 100 years ago.
Reading approach:
Don’t skim for highlights. Read structurally.
Ask: What did he build that still works today? How did he transition from builder to distributor? What systems enabled scale without his direct involvement?
The biographical details are context. The systems are the content.
Bottom line:
This isn’t a feel-good book. It’s a technical manual on legacy engineering. Carnegie made steel. You might make something else. The principle is identical.
Build systems. Distribute freely. Design for permanence.
If you’re serious about leaving work that outlasts you, this book shows you how.
Not a rags-to-riches story. A blueprint for legacy construction.
Most people read Carnegie’s autobiography looking for inspiration. That’s the wrong lens.
This book is an operations manual disguised as a memoir. Carnegie spent two-thirds of his life building wealth in steel, then spent the final third systematically giving it all away. Not through emotional charity. Through engineered distribution systems.
He built 2,509 libraries. Not monuments. Infrastructures that outlasted him.
What you’ll actually learn:
Carnegie’s “Gospel of Wealth” essay contains his organizing principle: “The man who dies rich dies disgraced.” He didn’t mean this as virtue signaling. He meant it structurally. If you accumulate wealth or knowledge and it dies with you, you failed the assignment.
His library model is the case study: He funded the building. Communities matched funds for books and operations. This created skin in the game and ensured sustainability. He designed for permanence, not gratitude.
Three patterns worth extracting:
1. Systems over inspiration. Carnegie didn’t rely on motivation. He built operational rhythms that produced results whether he felt inspired or not. His daily routines, his partnership structures, his giving criteria—all systematized.
2. Long-horizon thinking. Every major decision was evaluated on 50-year timelines. He thought in generations, not quarters. This changes what you optimize for.
3. Character formation through constraint. Carnegie was ruthless in business, reflective in legacy. That transition required unlearning. The shift from wealth-building to wealth-distribution wasn’t automatic. It was engineered through new frameworks and deliberate practice.
Where Carnegie fails (and why that matters):
He wasn’t balanced. He was relentless. His workers were exploited during the Homestead Strike. His personal relationships suffered. He made peace with contradictions you might reject.
But his structural genius stands independent of his personal choices. You can learn from his systems without adopting his extremity.
Who should read this:
If you’re mid-career and thinking about legacy, this book reframes the entire question. It’s not about what you accumulate. It’s about what keeps working after you step away.
If you’re building frameworks, teaching systems, or knowledge infrastructures—Carnegie shows you how to design for distribution at scale.
If you’re trying to figure out how to give your work away without it becoming disposable—Carnegie solved that problem 100 years ago.
Reading approach:
Don’t skim for highlights. Read structurally.
Ask: What did he build that still works today? How did he transition from builder to distributor? What systems enabled scale without his direct involvement?
The biographical details are context. The systems are the content.
Bottom line:
This isn’t a feel-good book. It’s a technical manual on legacy engineering. Carnegie made steel. You might make something else. The principle is identical.
Build systems. Distribute freely. Design for permanence.
If you’re serious about leaving work that outlasts you, this book shows you how.
February 19, 2017
Excellent peek inside the mind of one of the giants who built the U.S. This book seems to be more an accumulation of thoughts about various points in his life and constantly references other books written earlier in his life. At times, though, the writing is a bit dry and one wonders why he's relaying these stories. But it is after all, the thoughts occupying the author's mind, and therefore, must be something he deemed worth telling.
Depending on your own mindset while reading this book, I think each reader will take away different things from it. From a business perspective it is worth noting how much he seemed to care about his employees, partners, and his own reputation. Very similar to how Warren Buffett today conducts his own business with Berkshire Hathaway. Reputation is everything. It was also interesting to gain insight into how important Mr. Carnegie's philanthropy was to him. He seemed to feel an honest obligation to give back to all those from whom he benefitted during his life; from his home town in Scotland to Philadelphia where he built Carnegie Steel to various other cities and towns where slowly built his career over time prior to the steel industry. He gave millions of dollars to establish fantastic libraries around the country and the world. All people had to do was ask, and he'd build them a library!
My one disappointment was that he seemed to leave out most of the minutiae and small details which I would have found fascinating about how he operated his businesses and how he built them over time. This is perhaps best, however, since he wrote this autobiography with people who probably don't care too much about that. He was right to do so, and got his various points across without it.
Another aspect of this book I truly enjoyed was the style of writing itself. It was a first-person account of history written over 100 years ago. As such, the language used then is slightly different than that I am used to hearing or reading today; slightly more elegant, and using words which have all but disappeared today. This from a man who never had much schooling, certainly not even a high school or college degree. That he achieved what he did and could write so well is a testament to both his intelligence and the over-emphasis we now put on formal education, for where there is a will and desire, one can always find a way to succeed!
Depending on your own mindset while reading this book, I think each reader will take away different things from it. From a business perspective it is worth noting how much he seemed to care about his employees, partners, and his own reputation. Very similar to how Warren Buffett today conducts his own business with Berkshire Hathaway. Reputation is everything. It was also interesting to gain insight into how important Mr. Carnegie's philanthropy was to him. He seemed to feel an honest obligation to give back to all those from whom he benefitted during his life; from his home town in Scotland to Philadelphia where he built Carnegie Steel to various other cities and towns where slowly built his career over time prior to the steel industry. He gave millions of dollars to establish fantastic libraries around the country and the world. All people had to do was ask, and he'd build them a library!
My one disappointment was that he seemed to leave out most of the minutiae and small details which I would have found fascinating about how he operated his businesses and how he built them over time. This is perhaps best, however, since he wrote this autobiography with people who probably don't care too much about that. He was right to do so, and got his various points across without it.
Another aspect of this book I truly enjoyed was the style of writing itself. It was a first-person account of history written over 100 years ago. As such, the language used then is slightly different than that I am used to hearing or reading today; slightly more elegant, and using words which have all but disappeared today. This from a man who never had much schooling, certainly not even a high school or college degree. That he achieved what he did and could write so well is a testament to both his intelligence and the over-emphasis we now put on formal education, for where there is a will and desire, one can always find a way to succeed!
May 9, 2021
Ones man's loss is another man's treasure. How about having these two men as father and son. The former hitting poverty because of the industrial revolution and the latter being the wealthiest man in America because of it!
This autobiography has everything. History, great people, poverty & wealth, men & women, love & hatred, rebellion & loyalty, change &rigidity, prejudices and fairness, the old and the new worlds, the English and Others, religion, science, politics, war & peace, ignorance & knowledge, arrogance and humility, traveling .... EVERYTHING.
It is not a wonder that Mr. Carnegie have been the wealthiest man in his time. He is way ahead of his time. He had the passion, the social intelligence (but I would assume that he didn't had the emotional intelligence), the strategical & the critical thinking, religious open-mindedness, and had one of the greatest mentalities as a businessman.
Quotes:
"never to purchase what I didn't pay for and never sell what I didn't own."
“What one does easily, one does well.”
Yet I still wonder how he really was, since there are all of these conflicting views. His mother per say I wouldn't probably like so much, even though she have proven that she was a great asset to her own family. Him on the other hand wishing to be mama's boy (probably) .. as what they are saying about him. But this is the thing what is the truth. He writes about himself as a genuinely content gentleman, whereas others say lots of horrible things about him. I must admit that I do admire his bluntness especially when it comes to business and money .. no room for courtesy there!
A documentary about him if anyone is interested:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQI5o...
To me .. he will always be a great man. It is enough for me to know that he have founded so many libraries in the English speaking countries. and I would assume (as a believer in karma) that he must of have been a great man and died in peace to be remembered after a 100 year with his name tied to public libraries!
This autobiography has everything. History, great people, poverty & wealth, men & women, love & hatred, rebellion & loyalty, change &rigidity, prejudices and fairness, the old and the new worlds, the English and Others, religion, science, politics, war & peace, ignorance & knowledge, arrogance and humility, traveling .... EVERYTHING.
It is not a wonder that Mr. Carnegie have been the wealthiest man in his time. He is way ahead of his time. He had the passion, the social intelligence (but I would assume that he didn't had the emotional intelligence), the strategical & the critical thinking, religious open-mindedness, and had one of the greatest mentalities as a businessman.
Quotes:
"never to purchase what I didn't pay for and never sell what I didn't own."
“What one does easily, one does well.”
Yet I still wonder how he really was, since there are all of these conflicting views. His mother per say I wouldn't probably like so much, even though she have proven that she was a great asset to her own family. Him on the other hand wishing to be mama's boy (probably) .. as what they are saying about him. But this is the thing what is the truth. He writes about himself as a genuinely content gentleman, whereas others say lots of horrible things about him. I must admit that I do admire his bluntness especially when it comes to business and money .. no room for courtesy there!
A documentary about him if anyone is interested:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQI5o...
To me .. he will always be a great man. It is enough for me to know that he have founded so many libraries in the English speaking countries. and I would assume (as a believer in karma) that he must of have been a great man and died in peace to be remembered after a 100 year with his name tied to public libraries!
August 19, 2026
The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie is the remarkable life story of one of the most influential industrialists and philanthropists of the nineteenth century. Written in his later years, the autobiography is more than a record of personal success. It is a reflection on ambition, perseverance, leadership, wealth, and the responsibility that comes with achievement. Carnegie recounts his journey from a poor Scottish immigrant to one of the richest men in the world, while emphasizing that true success lies not in accumulating wealth but in using it to improve the lives of others.
The story begins in Dunfermline, Scotland, where Carnegie was born into a modest family. His father was a handloom weaver whose livelihood was threatened by the Industrial Revolution, while his mother displayed remarkable determination in supporting the household during difficult times. Carnegie remembers his childhood with affection, describing a close-knit community that valued hard work, honesty, and education despite limited financial resources. These early experiences shaped his lifelong appreciation for thrift, perseverance, and family loyalty.
Economic hardship eventually forced the Carnegie family to emigrate to the United States in search of better opportunities. They settled in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where young Andrew quickly realized that survival depended upon hard work. His first jobs were humble and physically demanding, but he approached every task with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Looking back, Carnegie presents these early years not as a period of misfortune but as the foundation upon which his future was built......
https://generalpress.booksdata.org/bo...
The story begins in Dunfermline, Scotland, where Carnegie was born into a modest family. His father was a handloom weaver whose livelihood was threatened by the Industrial Revolution, while his mother displayed remarkable determination in supporting the household during difficult times. Carnegie remembers his childhood with affection, describing a close-knit community that valued hard work, honesty, and education despite limited financial resources. These early experiences shaped his lifelong appreciation for thrift, perseverance, and family loyalty.
Economic hardship eventually forced the Carnegie family to emigrate to the United States in search of better opportunities. They settled in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where young Andrew quickly realized that survival depended upon hard work. His first jobs were humble and physically demanding, but he approached every task with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Looking back, Carnegie presents these early years not as a period of misfortune but as the foundation upon which his future was built......
https://generalpress.booksdata.org/bo...
November 8, 2021
Writing: 4/5
Knowledge Gained: 5/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
This is an autobiography, and so with 19th century writing style, delicate, exquisite, and a bit "wordy" for the 21st century, although I'm highly susceptible that 21st century english writing is the acme of english literature, maybe more acne.
Nothing much to complain about the writing style, and Carnegie becomes a bit wordy and name/organization dropping in the second half of the book, to which I suggest the reader can skim quickly through. As for the beginning, Carnegie has a fascinating life working in the textile industry for meager wages, then rising as a messanger boy, then as a clerk for telegram, and finding favor with his boss Mr. Scott rising through the ranks of the pennsylvania railroad, buying his first stock and receiving his first dividends, the goose that lays the golden eggs, then declining another raise to few of the top positions in the railway, starting his own business as a steel/iron manufacturer for steel bridges, and from there, becoming a major steel manufacturer, improving efficiency and beating out competition for near horizontal integration, becoming one of the wealthiest man of the early 20th century, equaling john d rockefeller and definitely beating out JPMorgan and the later vanderbilts, who are forces of their own in their equal right.
Great read, maybe skim some parts about scotland and charities in the book.
Knowledge Gained: 5/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
This is an autobiography, and so with 19th century writing style, delicate, exquisite, and a bit "wordy" for the 21st century, although I'm highly susceptible that 21st century english writing is the acme of english literature, maybe more acne.
Nothing much to complain about the writing style, and Carnegie becomes a bit wordy and name/organization dropping in the second half of the book, to which I suggest the reader can skim quickly through. As for the beginning, Carnegie has a fascinating life working in the textile industry for meager wages, then rising as a messanger boy, then as a clerk for telegram, and finding favor with his boss Mr. Scott rising through the ranks of the pennsylvania railroad, buying his first stock and receiving his first dividends, the goose that lays the golden eggs, then declining another raise to few of the top positions in the railway, starting his own business as a steel/iron manufacturer for steel bridges, and from there, becoming a major steel manufacturer, improving efficiency and beating out competition for near horizontal integration, becoming one of the wealthiest man of the early 20th century, equaling john d rockefeller and definitely beating out JPMorgan and the later vanderbilts, who are forces of their own in their equal right.
Great read, maybe skim some parts about scotland and charities in the book.
Read
March 13, 2025influenza followed by two serious attacks of pneumonia
My father was necessarily constantly at work in the loom shop
ordered a glass of sarsaparilla
making tablecloths, which he had not only to weave, but afterwards, acting as his own merchant, to travel and sell, as no dealers could be found to take them in quantity. He was compelled to market them himself, selling from door to door.
save enough of money to produce three hundred dollars a year—twenty-five dollars monthly
In this factory he also obtained for me a position as bobbin boy, and my first work was done there at one dollar and twenty cents per week.
I had to run a small steam-engine and to fire the boiler in the cellar of the bobbin factory. It was too much for me. I found myself night after night, sitting up in bed trying the steam gauges, fearing at one time that the steam was too low and that the workers above would complain that they had not power enough, and at another time that the steam was too high and that the boiler might burst.
I was appointed treasurer. It was my first essay in financial organization.
This did not leave much time for self-improvement, nor did the wants of the family leave any money to spend on books. There came, however, like a blessing from above, a means by which the treasures of literature were unfolded to me.
My father was necessarily constantly at work in the loom shop
ordered a glass of sarsaparilla
making tablecloths, which he had not only to weave, but afterwards, acting as his own merchant, to travel and sell, as no dealers could be found to take them in quantity. He was compelled to market them himself, selling from door to door.
save enough of money to produce three hundred dollars a year—twenty-five dollars monthly
In this factory he also obtained for me a position as bobbin boy, and my first work was done there at one dollar and twenty cents per week.
I had to run a small steam-engine and to fire the boiler in the cellar of the bobbin factory. It was too much for me. I found myself night after night, sitting up in bed trying the steam gauges, fearing at one time that the steam was too low and that the workers above would complain that they had not power enough, and at another time that the steam was too high and that the boiler might burst.
I was appointed treasurer. It was my first essay in financial organization.
This did not leave much time for self-improvement, nor did the wants of the family leave any money to spend on books. There came, however, like a blessing from above, a means by which the treasures of literature were unfolded to me.
September 11, 2020
Definitely far from a comprehensive account of his life; however, I found his recollections of the smallest details amazing. Carnegie was certainly a man of the 20th century. He was a true disciple of Franklin in terms of business genius and from accounts I don’t believe anyone surpassed his generosity even to this day. Paraphrasing a phrase from Franklin that guided his life, “The greatest good a man can do is good to his fellow man.” I loved how this was more of the accounts of both the “small” and “big” people that came into his life. He was a man that advised Presidents and Kings, yet had close relationships with the lowest of his workers.
Due to this being his recollections, the book contains many names of others, but this is a strength if one reads with the understanding that each of these individuals were people that were influenced for good by Carnegie. To the 21st century man, Carnegie seems both outdated and possibly even arrogant to think that hard work and love of another can lead to prosperity, but I feel that is only true if one defines prosperity by having as much wealth as Carnegie did. I highly recommend this book to every American and person that wants to better themselves. I feel that it is better than most of the self help books on the market today.
Due to this being his recollections, the book contains many names of others, but this is a strength if one reads with the understanding that each of these individuals were people that were influenced for good by Carnegie. To the 21st century man, Carnegie seems both outdated and possibly even arrogant to think that hard work and love of another can lead to prosperity, but I feel that is only true if one defines prosperity by having as much wealth as Carnegie did. I highly recommend this book to every American and person that wants to better themselves. I feel that it is better than most of the self help books on the market today.
May 7, 2017
It's important to understand that this book was compiled from the author's incomplete notes after his death. With that context it is quite an enjoyable book, but the further you get the less it feels like a biography than a set of notes.
The early chapters are a delightful stroll through AC's early life, truly an amazing 'rags to riches' tale. Lots to learn here about taking advantage of the opportunities life presents you. Later there are some true nuggets of wisdom on how to build and run a great business.
The latter chapters deal mostly with relationships between AC and other well know people of the early 20th century. For me this was the least interesting part of the book as most of the people being described were unknown to me.
Bonus: the audible version is read with a Scottish accent adding greatly to the narration.
The early chapters are a delightful stroll through AC's early life, truly an amazing 'rags to riches' tale. Lots to learn here about taking advantage of the opportunities life presents you. Later there are some true nuggets of wisdom on how to build and run a great business.
The latter chapters deal mostly with relationships between AC and other well know people of the early 20th century. For me this was the least interesting part of the book as most of the people being described were unknown to me.
Bonus: the audible version is read with a Scottish accent adding greatly to the narration.
May 25, 2025
We're going to Scotland (again), this time visiting Dunfermline, where, it turns out, Andrew Carnegie was born and spent part of his childhood. I wanted to learn more before visiting his museum and my research said the best biography of Mr. Carnegie was his own. I recognize this was strictly from his POV, but I found three major themes: 1) From childhood onward, he worked hard; 2) After attaining management positions (at a young age), he appreciated workers and rewarded hard work; and 3) He knew when to stop earning and when to start giving, which he did generously, especially to educational endeavors (think libraries). There are sensible business and interesting history lessons to be learned, too.
July 7, 2022
Mark Twain wrote a letter calling him Saint Andrew. I guess he was, especially after cashing in.
He benefitted clearly from what we now call conflict of interest (eg being employed by an off taker of your product) and oligopoly positions in iron and steel. Still I really liked his scientific approach to measure instead of relying on the reputation of suppliers. The benefit this gave his companies was fairly earned. Hopefully current society would not allow such conflicts and monopoly like conduct although one could argue Amazon Google Facebook and Microsoft are the new US Steel and Standard Oil.
He benefitted clearly from what we now call conflict of interest (eg being employed by an off taker of your product) and oligopoly positions in iron and steel. Still I really liked his scientific approach to measure instead of relying on the reputation of suppliers. The benefit this gave his companies was fairly earned. Hopefully current society would not allow such conflicts and monopoly like conduct although one could argue Amazon Google Facebook and Microsoft are the new US Steel and Standard Oil.
March 2, 2023
While I enjoyed the first 40% of the book, which covered his adolescence and rise in the capitalist system, the last 60% was hard to get through, as his philanthropic pursuits weren’t all that interesting. Seeing him go from a telegraph boy to a steel magnet is an incredible testament to the pace of innovation in the world of atoms during that time period. Based on his writings, which include plenty of inspirational quotes about the importance of betting on oneself and hard work, it’s clear that Carnegie lived the American immigrant dream: a heroic ascent from the depths of poverty to the upper echelons of wealth.
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