Final answer:
Andrew Carnegie's 'Gospel of Wealth' states that the wealthy elite are responsible for caring for the underprivileged. He promoted the use of personal fortunes to enrich society through funding public libraries, scientific research, and educational institutions. Carnegie himself was a model for this philosophy, donating a substantial portion of his wealth to various philanthropic causes.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Andrew Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth, it is the responsibility of the wealthy elite to care for the underprivileged. Carnegie, who rose from humble origins to become a leading steel magnate, believed that those who have benefited the most from capitalism and the American system had an obligation to give back to society. This view was meant to counteract the harshness of social Darwinism, which justified extreme wealth disparities. Carnegie advocated for the wealthy to use their fortunes to fund public libraries, scientific research, and various charitable enterprises, thereby enriching society and helping those who have the ability and desire to improve themselves.
Carnegie's philanthropy was not just a belief system but was reflected in his own life. Later in life, he donated millions to construct libraries, schools, and institutions for higher education, becoming an embodiment of the philanthropic ideals he espoused. His narrative promoted the idea that wealth should be used to create lasting benefits for the masses, setting a standard for other industrialists of his time.