1) What was the general theme or argument of the book?
David Nasaw talked about the life and work of Andrew Carnegie in this massive volume (almost finished it!). Nasaw talks about not what made Carnegie a rich man, but rather how Andrew operated within his life and business. Not always on the up and up (suppressing workers backlash and whatnot).
2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?
If nothing else the life of Andrew Carnegie is a testament to the will of someone who is willing to get out and interact with their world. To hustle and grind is a necessity for anyone looking for financial success as Carnegie himself made.
3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?
Andrew’s life is a classic example of coming from a humble beginning and rising to the top in one’s work life. I would recommend mapping out, actually trying to map it (point A, point B, point C, etc) the pivotal moments in Carnegie’s career. Once complete take a deep dive into those points on the map (or timeline, if you will) and talk about the qualities of those points. We’re they a result of deft business dealings, useful relationships, or something else altogether?
4) What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?
One of the most tragic bits of data I gleaned from the book is about his last push against the world. Andrew saw the beginnings of the Great Ware and did everything he could to bring peace to the world instead of chaos. His wealth and status could not stop chaos from erupting and he died knowing that his efforts were in vain.
This is (forgive me) slightly similar to a Steve Jobs looking back before his death and seeing what a mistake it was to give everybody a smartphone.
Hi Anthony,
ReplyDeleteAndrew Carnegie was an amazing industrialist who truly embodied the American Dream and the power of hard work. Carnegie was a self made tycoon coming from humble origins who rose to the top of society as a result of his solid and unyielding work ethic. He donated a lot to various charities and wanted to spread his wealth in his later days, an admirable thing to do.
Hello Anthony,
ReplyDeleteI did not read this book but it definitely sounds interesting. Andrew Carnegie was definitely one of the most influential men of his time. He is also one of the wealthiest men of all time, not only in the United States but the world. I enjoyed reading your post about how he tried to use his immense wealth to try and bring peace to the world and stop violent wars.