Andrew Carnegie

(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.