There have been many wealthy men Throughout American history, many have been the subject of much heated debate among themselves, Andrew Carnegie. Andrew Carnegie was once the richest man in the world, and immediately after obtaining this title, he began giving away his money. The impact and scale of Carnegie's philanthropic efforts are undeniable, but why he gave so much has been debated for nearly a century now. Carnegie's rags-to-riches story is the embodiment of the American dream and has inspired many entrepreneurs around the world. Andrew Carnegie was born on November 25, 1835 in Dunfermline, Scotland. He was born into a family of weavers, an important profession in his hometown. In 1847, increased linen production on steam looms caused Carnegie's father to lose his job. Carnegie's mother went to work to try to support the family. It was at this time that Carnegie said, "I began to learn what poverty meant, that's when it was engraved in my heart that my father had to beg for work." And then and there came the resolution that I would cure this when I was a man. (Carnegie, 1920) At the same time that Carnegie discovered the pains of poverty; his family, including his father, grandfather and uncle, were ardent union activists. Work to end the hierarchy of the past and empower workers. (PBS, 1999) These two experiences would influence both Carnegie's career and his ideology for the rest of his life. Sometimes at odds with each other, but occasionally he was able to build his fortune and help those around him improve their lot. In 1848, Carnegie came with his family to the United States, eventually settling in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. . He was able to find middle of paper......by the end of his life, Andrew Carnegie had given away nearly $350 million, investing even more in the Carnegie Foundation to continue his philanthropic efforts. In Carnegie's life, he struggled to balance two ideals; make money and defend workers. He was obviously more inclined to make money than to work for labor rights, but Carnegie's contributions to his community, the United States, and the world cannot be underestimated. References Carnegie, A. (1920 ). Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie (Popular Edition ed.). Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. Juskalian, R. (October 23, 2006). This 878-page tome offers new perspectives on Carnegie. USA Today.PBS. (nd). Andrew Carnegie. Retrieved April 18, 2014, from American Experience website: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/carnegie/peopleevents/pande01.html