"Don't put all your eggs in one basket" is all wrong. I tell you "put all your eggs in one basket, and then watch that basket."
Meaning
Speaking to Pittsburgh students in 1885, Carnegie argued that failing businesses had scattered their capital and attention too widely. His advice is to concentrate on a few ventures and manage them closely. Apply it by dropping side projects that dilute your focus.
Source: Speech to Curry Commercial College of Pittsburgh (1885)
About the author
(1835–1919) was a Scottish-American industrialist who led the expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century. One of the wealthiest individuals of his time, Carnegie later became a leading philanthropist, donating a significant portion of his fortune to education, libraries, and cultural institutions. He believed strongly in the ‘Gospel of Wealth,’ which argued that the rich have a responsibility to use their wealth for the greater good. His contributions led to the establishment of thousands of public libraries worldwide. Carnegie’s legacy reflects both industrial innovation and a lasting commitment to social progress and education.
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