Henry George & Andrew Carnegie’s Mini Essay

1/28/18

Henry George & Andrew Carnegie’s Mini Essay

In my perspective, of the two writers, Henry George and Andrew Carnegie, the writer who seemed to have a better vision for America at the time was Henry George.

When comparing the two writer’s, I found that Andrew Carnegie preferred to focus on the aftermath and the ‘positive’ impact rather than focusing on the negative impact. Constantly describing the impact of wealth towards the people and the government but not weighing factors that could improve the economy. Very similar to the phrase, “it is what is is”, Carnegie does not choose to believe that wealth inequality could be changed, he would rather adapt and accept to what he does not completely agree with than to make change.

After reading Henry George’s article, I found that he was able to have a clear vision of America and factors that could benefit the suffering and struggling lower class. Rather than stressing common opinions, George often supports his reasoning with explanations, following through with detailed and reliable resources when announcing his views. George and his ideas seemed to have more supporters on his side than Carnegie, as Carnegie questions the common tradition for families to pass down their wealth and heritages to their offspring, ironic as he had not grown up wealthy. His voice seemed to carry to all statuses, but ridiculed by those who he looked swiftly different upon: the poor and the middle class.

While both writer’s acknowledged the idea that wealth inequality is occurring, only Henry George considered a solution that could aid the problem. Compared to Carnegie, George was more logical and provided explanations and evidence. Henry George was also more likely to be considered as a spokesperson on behalf of the lower and middle class, pointing

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