Andrew Carnegie--Gospel of Wealth
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Reading and Writing Workshop
Wealth, Philanthropy, and the Public Good – A Study of Andrew Carnegie’s “The Gospel of Wealth”
Overview:
This workshop explores Andrew Carnegie’s 1889 essay “The Gospel of Wealth,” examining its historical context, philosophy of philanthropy, and long-term impact on American capitalism and social reform. Students will engage with public domain primary sources, write analytical and argumentative responses, and reflect on wealth, responsibility, and inequality.
Session 1: Understanding Carnegie’s “Gospel of Wealth”
Session 2: The Gilded Age Context
Session 3: Horatio Alger and the Myth of the Self-Made Man
Session 4: Labor and the Working Class Response
Session 5: Reformers and Philosophers on Wealth
Session 6: Modern Reflections – Legacy of Carnegie’s Ideas
Session 7: Final Project – Wealth and Justice in Our Time
Overview:
This workshop explores Andrew Carnegie’s 1889 essay “The Gospel of Wealth,” examining its historical context, philosophy of philanthropy, and long-term impact on American capitalism and social reform. Students will engage with public domain primary sources, write analytical and argumentative responses, and reflect on wealth, responsibility, and inequality.
Session 1: Understanding Carnegie’s “Gospel of Wealth”
- Reading:
- Andrew Carnegie, The Gospel of Wealth (1889)
- Discussion Focus:
- What are Carnegie’s main arguments?
- How does he justify the accumulation of wealth?
- What responsibilities does he assign to the wealthy?
- Writing Activity:
- Write a summary and personal response to Carnegie’s argument. Do you agree with his view that the rich are trustees of their wealth?
Session 2: The Gilded Age Context
- Reading:
- Henry Demarest Lloyd, Wealth Against Commonwealth (excerpts)
- Discussion Focus:
- Explore critiques of monopolies and wealth concentration.
- How does Lloyd’s critique contrast with Carnegie’s vision?
- Writing Activity:
- Compare and contrast Lloyd’s view with Carnegie’s. Write a response evaluating who presents the more compelling argument for handling wealth.
Session 3: Horatio Alger and the Myth of the Self-Made Man
- Reading:
- Horatio Alger, Ragged Dick (1868)
- Discussion Focus:
- What role does personal effort play in Alger’s version of success?
- How do Carnegie’s and Alger’s views overlap or differ regarding opportunity?
- Writing Activity:
- Compose a narrative or opinion piece: “Is the American Dream Still Alive?” Use examples from both readings.
Session 4: Labor and the Working Class Response
- Reading:
- Eugene V. Debs, Works of Eugene V. Debs (excerpts)
- Discussion Focus:
- How does Debs respond to industrial capitalism?
- Would Debs see Carnegie’s philanthropy as genuine or a distraction?
- Writing Activity:
- Write a dialogue between Debs and Carnegie debating the role of capital and labor in society.
Session 5: Reformers and Philosophers on Wealth
- Reading:
- Henry George, Progress and Poverty (1879, excerpts)
- Discussion Focus:
- How does George critique land ownership and inequality?
- How might his ideas intersect or clash with Carnegie’s?
- Writing Activity:
- Write an editorial titled “What Should Society Do With Its Wealth?” using arguments from both Carnegie and George.
Session 6: Modern Reflections – Legacy of Carnegie’s Ideas
- Reading:
- Booker T. Washington, Up From Slavery (1901, excerpts)
- Discussion Focus:
- What role does education and self-improvement play in Washington’s thought?
- How does this connect to Carnegie’s philanthropic efforts in education and libraries?
- Writing Activity:
- Write a reflective essay on how philanthropy can be used today. Include a proposed plan for giving if you had $1 million.
Session 7: Final Project – Wealth and Justice in Our Time
- Project Options:
- A persuasive essay: “Does Carnegie’s Gospel of Wealth Still Apply Today?”
- A multimedia presentation tracing the history and legacy of Carnegie’s philanthropy.
- A creative letter to a modern billionaire inspired by Carnegie’s essay.
- Suggested Supporting Texts:
- Frederick Douglass, Self-Made Men (1895)