Andrew Carnegie's New Year Greeting, 1914

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September 25, 2023
APARTS Analysis – Andrew Carnegie’s New Year Greeting, 1914
Author, Place, and Time
The source in discussion is penned by none other than Andrew Carnegie, an iconic figure of the Gilded Age. Born in Dunfermline, Scotland, Carnegie's journey from his modest beginnings to becoming an American steel magnate is remarkable. But there's more to him than his commercial prowess. Although known for his aggressive business strategies, Carnegie's later years reveal a philanthropic side; he harbored a deep-seated aspiration to allocate his vast fortune for the betterment of society.
Carnegie's perspective in the text is a balanced mix of optimism and practicality. He doesn't shy away from voicing his concerns about the brutal nature of war. However, his hope for humanity's evolution and progress still needs to be fulfilled. A noteworthy aspect of his vision is his recognition of women. In Carnegie's eyes, women are not just participants but are pivotal players, steering society towards enlightenment and progress.
Shifting the focus to the temporal and spatial context of the source, it was articulated on the brink of 1914. This year is a significant historical marker, ushering in one of its darkest periods. The impending events of 1914, especially World War I, would radically transform Europe and the world. In light of what we now know about the impending war, Carnegie's optimistic tone carries an eeriness—a reflection of the uncertainty of times and the unforeseen tragedies that lay ahead.
Building on this foundation, it's crucial to delve deeper into what shaped Carnegie's viewpoints by considering the rich literary and cultural milieu from which he drew his insights.
Prior Knowledge
Carnegie's writings, rich with depth and perspective, can only be fully appreciated by recognizing the myriad of literary and cultural allusions he weaves into his narrative. Chief among these is his nod to William Shakespeare, particularly the bard's keen insights into the complexity of human nature. For instance, the play "Hamlet" serves as a poignant exploration of the delicate balance between human potential and our inherent frailties. For Carnegie and any discerning reader, Shakespeare's prose is a reminder that humanity, with all its brilliance, is equally capable of imperfection.
Equally significant in Carnegie's piece is his reference to John Milton and his magnum opus, "Paradise Lost." Anyone familiar with Milton's work would attest to the profound examination of gender roles, especially in the context of the 17th century. Carnegie's invocation of Milton is far from casual. Through this, he underscores a changing dynamic in society, where women, historically relegated to the background, are now emerging as catalysts for change and progress. In Carnegie's vision, and I concur, women are not just participants but the guiding lights propelling society to new horizons.[Harvey, Charles, Mairi Maclean, Jillian Gordon, and Eleanor Shaw. "Andrew Carnegie and the foundations of contemporary entrepreneurial philanthropy." Business History 53, no. 3 (2011): 425-450.]
Thus, Carnegie's deliberate intertwining with Shakespeare and Milton is not just a literary flourish. Instead, it establishes a critical connection, linking contemporary discourse with timeless reflections on humanity, societal roles, and shared aspirations for a brighter future. With this unders...