The Gospel Of Wealth

Nonfiction | Essay / Speech | Adult | Published in 1889

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Symbols & Motifs

Houses

Houses have long represented status, so it is no coincidence that Carnegie begins his article with a discussion of the Sioux and their homes, noting that the home of the chief looks much the same as the home of one of his tribe because their society operates differently than that of capitalist America. Shortly after mentioning the Sioux, Carnegie compares the millionaire’s grand palace with the humble cottage of a laborer, acknowledging that homes represent position and affluence. Even today, the position of an individual’s home—as well as its size and its interior details—communicate a message to both its inhabitants and its visitors about the owner’s wealth and personal taste. Later in the article, Carnegie is stern about ostentatious displays of wealth in one’s home, describing them as offensive and in poor taste.

Ostentation and Discretion

Carnegie advocates for discreet shows of wealth no matter what position an affluent individual holds in society. Though the obvious shows of wealth that take the form of expensive cars and extravagant houses are targeted here, Carnegie also denies the affluent showiness in any form at all, condemning such behavior as overly conspicuous. Philanthropic efforts are exempted from this rule, and grand gestures like funding a public library or a research institution in one’s own name are not considered ill-mannered, thanks to the benefits such efforts provide the public at-large.