The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie
By Andrew Carnegie
Overview: Andrew Carnegie was born in 1835 in Dunfermline, Scotland and immigrated to America when he was 13 years old. Andrew started off with a negative net worth because his family borrowed money to be able to make the trip to America; but through hard work, opportunism and luck, Carnegie was able to rise quickly–first within the railroad business and later by creating his steel empire. He is one of the world’s greatest philanthropists, giving away the majority of his wealth while he was still alive– mainly to public libraries, new church organs, promoting world peace, and improving the human condition.
Key quotes:
The judge within sits in the Supreme Court and can never be cheated. “Thy own reproach alone dost fear.” –Robert Burns
Most of the troubles of humanity are imaginary and should be laughed out of court. It is folly to cross a bridge until you come to it or to bid the devil good morning until you meet him. Perfect folly. All is well until the stroke falls, but even then 9 times out of 10 it's not so bad as anticipated. A wise man is the confirmed optimist.
“All we know is as nothing to the unknown.”
Men of action should learn to laugh at and enjoy small annoyances or they themselves may become small.
No man can dishonor me except myself. Honor wounds must be self inflicted.
On theology, after discovering “that every people has had its great teacher”: The words of Christ “The Kingdom of Heaven is within you” had a new meaning for me. Not in the past or in the future, but now and here is heaven within us. All our duties lie in this world and in the present, and trying impatiently to peer into that which lies beyond is as vain as fruitless.
Tall oaks from little acorns grow.
In any walk of life, knowing what is great helps you avoid the mediocre
It is the decision made in the crisis which proves the man.
We are in the presence of universal law and should bow our heads in silence and obey the Judge within, asking nothing, fearing nothing, just doing our duty right along, seeking no reward here or hereafter. It is, indeed, more blessed to give than to receive.
What one does easily, one often does well.
He is a happy man who only wishes happiness and prosperity to others.
On business:
A great business is seldom if ever built up except on lines of the strictest integrity.
What others could not or would not do we would attempt, and this was a rule of our business which was strictly adhered to.
In any project, quality is of utmost importance and far after is cost. Always accommodate your customers, even if at some expense to yourself and give them the benefit of the doubt.
Success is to always expand your responsibilities and circle of competence by going beyond what others expect or have assigned you.
What I got out of it:
A great read about an example of a man who was able to rise from the lowest to the highest, yet (for the most part) remain humble and human. He was able to pursue his financial and business ambitions to fruition and when he had enough, was able to change his focus to giving back. By aiming for win/win relationships with everyone he dealt with, he was able to established unparalleled trust and respect. This was the cause of his financial success, not the result.