Andrew Carnegie – A Philosophy Stronger Than Steel (1835.11.25–1919.8.11)

Founder of Carnegie Steel Company, Keystone Bridge Company
Former Superintendent of the Pennsylvania Railroad, Telegraph Messenger of the Pennsylvania Telegraph Office

The Great Habits of the World’s Wealthiest

Andrew Carnegie was born the son of a poor Scottish immigrant. At the age of 13, he began working in a textile factory, yet he considered self-development the greatest habit of his life. Each day he devoted himself to reading in libraries, taking notes, asking questions, and engaging in discussions that sharpened his intellect.

In his youth, while working at the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, Carnegie gained the trust of his superior, Thomas A. Scott, largely because of his diligence and constant pursuit of knowledge. Carnegie foresaw the immense potential of the steel industry, began with small investments, and ultimately founded Carnegie Steel, which grew into the world’s largest steel company.

His management philosophy was simple but powerful: “Give people opportunities and let them work on their own.” Personally, he lived with remarkable frugality, and he devoted the majority of his fortune to philanthropy, believing that wealth should be used to benefit society rather than the individual alone.

Food and Dining Habits

Carnegie never pursued luxurious food. Instead, he preferred simple meals of bread and vegetables over meat. This choice was not only for health but also because of his conviction that “excessive desire clouds the mind.”

He often ate in the same dining halls as his workers, sharing the same meals to create a sense of unity. He was openly critical of the wasteful dining culture of the wealthy who overindulged and discarded food. Even at lavish banquets, Carnegie would insist on modest dishes, emphasizing that meals were a source of energy, not a means of display.

Through these habits, he embodied his belief: “Life should be simple, and true satisfaction comes from within.”

Love and Philosophy of Human Relationships

In his younger years, Carnegie delayed marriage, focusing solely on personal growth and business. It wasn’t until the age of 51 that he married Louise Whitfield, who was 22 years younger. At the age of 62, he and Louise welcomed their only child, Margaret Carnegie Miller.

Their relationship was more than just a marriage; it was a partnership built on a shared sense of social mission. Carnegie treated all people equally—whether aristocrat or worker—so long as they were sincere and earnest.

His library projects, for example, stemmed from his conviction that “everyone should have the opportunity to learn.” Because of his dedication to philanthropy and social reform, he is still remembered as a businessman with a positive public legacy. In love and in relationships, Carnegie believed in depth over speed, sincerity over calculation, and constancy over change.

Lessons We Can Learn

One of Carnegie’s famous sayings was: “Why do you seek to become wealthy?” For him, wealth was never the end goal. It was a tool to provide opportunities for others through wisdom and influence.

The lessons he left us with are timeless:

• Learn every day.
• Live humbly and frugally.
• Love sincerely.
• And if you succeed, give back to society.

Perhaps the true value we should admire is not the wealth he accumulated, but the way he chose to use it.

(Indeed, Carnegie donated over 90% of his fortune, helped prevent war between the U.S. and Spain, and established the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He remains a symbol of using personal wealth for the greater good.)