What book by Carnegie discussed the responsibilities of the wealthy?

• A. The Wealth of Nations
• B. Atlas Shrugged
• C. The Gospel of Wealth
• D. The Great Gatsby

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is "The Gospel of Wealth," which is a pivotal work by Andrew Carnegie that articulates his belief in the social responsibility of the wealthy. In this essay, Carnegie posits that individuals who have amassed great wealth have an obligation to use their fortunes for the betterment of society. He argues that wealth should be distributed philanthropically, benefiting education, cultural institutions, and public welfare rather than simply accumulating personal riches or being passed down to heirs.

Carnegie’s view contrasts sharply with the notion of unrestricted capitalism, advocating for a model where the affluent actively contribute to the greater good. This perspective was particularly significant during the Gilded Age, a period marked by immense wealth accumulation alongside substantial social challenges.

The other works mentioned are not related to Carnegie’s philanthropic philosophy. "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith focuses on economics and free markets, while "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand presents a different ideological perspective centered on individualism and capitalism. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a literary work that critiques the American Dream and does not address the responsibilities tied to wealth in the way Carnegie outlines.