27A -- Reading Reflection No. 3

1) You read about an entrepreneur: Andrew Carnegie by David Nasaw

What surprised you the most?

I was quite surprised the author saw it necessary to write this book considering there was a different autobiography written about Andrew Carnegie not long after his death. However, the author, David Nasaw, explained how the previous author was likely influenced by Mrs. Carnegie to write a book that was particularly fond of Mr. Carnegie. Nasaw also said the previous author had significantly less information available because he wrote it before the Internet was so widely accessible.

Carnegie also became quite involved in politics and served as a type of liaison between Great Britain and the United States.

What about the entrepreneur did you most admire?

I admire how incredibly hard Carnegie worked.  Once he decided he would give his fortune away, he became incredibly tenacious and driven to make an overwhelming amount of money.  It's such an interesting thought that a man would become ruthless for the sake of giving.  I found it incredibly novel in thought.

What about the entrepreneur did you least admire?

According to Nasaw, Mr. Carnegie may have lost part of his humanity in his pursuit of wealth.  The descriptions were certainly of a cold grasp at cash.  However, the knowledge that he intended to and succeeded in giving much of his wealth away complicates the matter.

Did the entrepreneur encounter adversity and failure? If so, what did they do about it?

The text begins by explaining the incredibly humble living situation Carnegie was raised in.  He had a tough upbringing but he made something of himself. He started out at the bottom of the totem pole but acquired skills and influence to move vertically in his occupation and social status.

2) What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited? 

I think Carnegie exhibited incredible initiative and adaptability.  That adaptability seemed to transform into true grit as he aged. That inner drive to overcome fed a veracious foresight, giving him the ability to anticipate and act decisively in order to get and stay ahead.

3) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

It was somewhat confusing to read how Carnegie was well-known for breaking up unions, but he simultaneously was planning to give money to the poor and even to the working class.  There is certainly some rationale there but it's mildly confusing nonetheless.

4) If you were able to ask two questions to the entrepreneur, what would you ask? Why?

Question 1) Were you ever satisfied? Was success ever enough?

He was certainly one of the richest people in history.  I would love to know his perspective on whether or not the drive completely dwindled or if even his giving was out of competition.

Question 2) If you could start over again, what would you change? His life moved so wildly.  I'm very curious what aspects or seasons he did not particiularly cared for or if he especially appreciated teh hard times.

5) For fun: what do you think the entrepreneur's opinion was of hard work? Do you share that opinion? 

I think he saw it as a necessity to be successful.  However, his intelligence was certainly a significant contributing factor.  I think my parents exhibited very similar competencies and drive.  That rearing definitely bled into my base way of thinking and behavior.

You want to be sure to cover these five elements, but I place no minimum-word requirement on your post.