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The Gospel Of Wealth By Andrew Carnegie Essay

Decent Essays

Since the nineteenth and twentieth century, there has always been a division between the wealthy and unfortunate. During these times the higher class continued to prosper while the lower class remained at the bottom, the separation continues to grow. Three men vocalize their views on the social division, capitalism, and individualism. Andrew Carnegie, an industrialist, believed the rich should distributed their wealth to benefit society while they’re alive. Carnegie elaborates this idea in his article, The Gospel of Wealth, written in 1889. Russell Conwell, a philanthropist, expresses in his speech, Acres of Diamonds, men should utilize their surrounding opportunities to make themselves wealthy. Edward Bellamy, a socialist, wrote Look Backward about a wealthy young man, Julian West, who enters hypnotic sleep in 1887 and awakes 113 years later. Although, the men state similar matters their views contrast, Carnegie and Conwell would most likely be critical to Bellamy’s vision. Julian West is educated and the third generation of his family to have great fortune. West’s life of luxury succeed through “support from the labor of others, rendering no sort of service in return (Bellamy).” When West enters hypnotic sleep and awakes in 2000 he realizes the 20th century is very different from the 19th. Bellamy’s Looking Backward was vastly popular particular among the middle class. His vision is desired by the middle class because it’s better than today’s world. Bellamy’s vision

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