The Gospel Of Wealth

Reading Check

1. “Homogeneity” (Paragraph 5)

2. “It can be left to the families of the descendants; or it can be bequeathed for public purposes; or, finally, it can be administered during their lives by its possessors.” (Paragraph 9)

3. That “at death the state marks its condemnation of the selfish millionaire’s unworthy life” (Paragraph 12)

4. That it would have been “wasted” on food, items for the house, etc. (Paragraph 15)

5. That it has the potential to cause “more injury is probably done by rewarding vice than by relieving virtue” (Paragraph 21)

Short Answer

1. Carnegie notes that in ancient times, production “was crude articles at high prices,” usually manufactured in one’s homestead. He contrasts this with the “commercial world” where “the world obtains commodities of excellent quality at prices which even the generation preceding this would have deemed incredible.” (Paragraph 4)

2. Carnegie notes that while this “law” may be difficult for the individual, such as the working conditions of humans in factory settings, ultimately competition allows for “wonderful material development, which brings improved conditions in its train” and is therefore, “best for the race, because it insures the survival of the fittest in every department.” (Paragraph 6)

3. Carnegie says that “civilization took its start from the day that the capable, industrious workman said to his incompetent and lazy fellow, ‘If thou dost net sow, thou shalt net reap,’ and thus ended primitive communism.” Ultimately, individualism is the evolved response to the ineffectiveness of communism. (Paragraph 7)

4. Carnegie notes that he must, “set an example of modest, unostentatious living;” “provide moderately” for his dependents; and use the rest of his funds to support the well-being of his community. (Paragraph 18)

5. For Carnegie, the problem between wealthy and poor classes will be solved when the rich give their fortunes to the public good and development of society, as opposed to individuals. In this sense, the “millionaire will be but a trustee for the poor; entrusted for a season with a great part of the increased wealth of the community, but administering it for the community far better than it could or would have done for itself.” (Paragraph 23)