"This, then, is held to be the duty of the man of wealth: to set an example of modest, unostentatious living... and, after doing so, to consider all surplus revenues which come to him simply as trust funds, which he is called upon to administer... in the manner which, in his judgment, is best calculated to produce the most beneficial results for the community." — Andrew Carnegie, "Wealth," 1889
Carnegie's argument best reflects which broader Gilded Age idea?
- A
That immigration restriction would protect American living standards
- B
That labor unions should manage the philanthropy of corporate magnates
- C
That the federal government should redistribute industrial profits to workers
- Dcheck_circle
That the wealthy had a moral obligation to use their fortunes for public benefit
Explanation
Carnegie's "Gospel of Wealth" framed great fortunes as a public trust, urging the rich to fund libraries, universities, and civic projects rather than pass wealth to heirs.