Andrew Carnegie, one of America’s greatest philanthropists, would likely not approve of the way many of us are using our material wealth. Regardless of how much money we have, Carnegie’s donations provide an example for all of us.
“This, then, is held to be the duty of the man of Wealth:
First, to set an example of modest, unostentatious living, shunning display or extravagance; to provide moderately for the legitimate wants of those dependent upon him;
and after doing so to consider all surplus revenues which come to him simply as trust funds, which he is called upon to administer, and strictly bound as a matter of duty to administer in the manner which, in his judgment, is best calculated to produce the most beneficial result for the community-the man of wealth thus becoming the sole agent and trustee for his poorer brethren, bringing to their service his superior wisdom, experience, and ability to administer-doing for them better than they would or could do for themselves.”
-Andrew Camegie, "Wealth," 1889
