Lad #17


Andrew Carnegie was a successful business man based due to the railway industry who came up with the "gospel of wealth." He starts by saying that today the rich and the poor are much more divided compared to a few hundred years ago. He continues to say that this gap between poor and rich is beneficial and if civilization were to return to the old ways that conditions it would be disasterous. Only a select few are wealthy however Carnegie states that it is not just wealth, it is competence and that all should aim to acquire this. There seem to be three ways in which to dispose of this wealth. The first way is to give the wealth to family, however this can be considered an improper use of wealth that is not in the best interest of the family and state. Next one could give away their wealth for publice use. Carnegie agreed with a death tax because he felt that by taxing millionaires' land it helps the community. Lastly it could be administered during one's life by the possessor. This can help many more people if just a few wealthy people admisinister their wealth if they use it for the common good. It is the duty of the wealthy to set a good example by living a modest life, helping those in need of help and providing a service of wisdom and experience to others. It is the duty of the wealthy to help better society.