The Gospel of Wealth was written by the industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

Who wrote it?

Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish‑born steel magnate and one of the richest men of the Gilded Age, authored the essay in 1889. It was first published in the North American Review under the title “Wealth” , and later became widely known as “The Gospel of Wealth” when republished in Britain.

What the essay is about

In The Gospel of Wealth , Carnegie argues that the very wealthy have a moral duty to use their fortunes for the public good rather than hoarding or squandering them. He advocates living modestly , providing only moderate support for family, and giving away most of one’s wealth during life through thoughtful philanthropy—famously declaring that “the man who dies thus rich dies disgraced.”

Why it still matters today

Carnegie’s essay is often cited in modern discussions about billionaire philanthropy, inequality, and “effective altruism.” Critics, however, point out that his own labor practices (such as the Homestead Strike) complicate his image as a purely benevolent figure.

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