50 pages • 1 hour read
Andrew CarnegieThe Gospel Of Wealth
Nonfiction | Essay / Speech | Adult | Published in 1889A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Essay Topics
According to Carnegie, the affluent have a duty to give back to the public. Create a counter-argument that challenges this notion of responsibility and present the argument from the point-of-view of a businessman who prefers to decide for himself what to do with his wealth.
Some critics of Carnegie’s arguments in “The Gospel of Wealth” describe his position as patriarchal. Agree or disagree with this statement and provide textual evidence for your ideas.
In your opinion, do the overtly Christian overtones of the article strengthen or weaken Carnegie’s ideas? Explain.
What elements of the article, from a contemporary point-of-view, might be considered controversial? Why?
At several points in the article, Carnegie describes his expectation that the wealthy live modestly and without ostentation. Such terms are certainly subjective. How do you think Carnegie would define modesty, based on what you know about his biography and background?
Consider the point-of-view of the children of an affluent family and explore the different reactions they might have to “The Gospel of Wealth.”
Some famously wealthy men and women of today have been inspired by Carnegie’s article. Research one of these individuals and describe at least three of their contributions to the public good.
What is the role of philanthropy in today’s society? Is it a force purely for good, or does it have a dark side? Explain and provide evidence for your ideas.
Discuss what qualities come to mind when you read the phrase “self-made.” Create a profile of a man or woman who meets your definition of this term.
How does the American Dream of Carnegie’s lifetime compare to the American Dream of today? Do people coming to America today have opportunities to make themselves into success stories, or are the circumstances too different to compare? Explain and provide evidence for your ideas.
