What is the Gospel of Wealth?

The "Gospel of Wealth" is a concept popularized by Andrew Carnegie in an 1889 article of the same name. Carnegie argued that wealthy individuals have a moral obligation to distribute their surplus means in ways beneficial to society. He believed the wealthy should use their fortunes to create opportunities for others to improve themselves rather than simply providing charity that could foster dependency. Carnegie's philosophy became a cornerstone of American philanthropy, reflecting a unique approach to wealth and charity that contrasted with indiscriminate giving by promoting self-improvement and investment in public goods like libraries and educational institutions 1 2.