Andrew Carnegie: egoist, an altruist, or both - Assignment Example

Andrew Carnegie: egoist, an altruist, or both? of Andrew Carnegie: egoist, an altruist,or both? This paper aims to study the theories of egoist and altruism in the context of philanthropy from the case of Andrew Carnegie who is known as the richest man of the history. Introduction to TheoriesIt should be noted that theory of altruism states that a person practice devotion for the welfare of others. Altruism has remained a virtue in the custom beliefs of many communities in past and at present.

In its contradiction, egoist theory explains characteristics of a person who separates himself from sharing any property or mindset with others simply because of personal gratification. Looking at the case of philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie, it becomes easy to note that he has practiced both the implied theories of altruism and egoism in his life but in different phases. Traits of EgotismThe traits of egotism prominent from the personality of Andrew were the exploitation of laborers by him for earning wealth.

He felt gratification on earning money that he did not want to share with anyone else which is a common trait of egoism as per its theory (Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 2013). Traits of AltruismHis act of altruism becomes visible at the latter age when he underwent ageing and felt devotion in the shape of welfare of others. The traits of altruism in the personality of Andrew Carnegie includes his fondness to spread of education among children (for which he opened up libraries and educational institutions), charity (in the shape of $350, 000, 000, 00 that he had given away and opening institutions from which general public could receive References ListCarnegie Library of Pittsburgh. (2013). Bridging the Urban Landscape.

Retrieved from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: http://www.clpgh.org/exhibit/carnegie.html