What is the primary focus of Andrew Carnegie's article "The Gospel of Wealth"?

The article "The Gospel of Wealth," written by Andrew Carnegie, centers on the idea that individuals who have amassed significant wealth have a moral obligation to use their surplus resources for the greater good of society. Carnegie argues that great wealth carries with it great responsibility, and he emphasizes the importance of philanthropy as a way for wealthy individuals to contribute positively to society. He believes that through charitable acts and the establishment of public institutions, the wealthy can help improve the lives of others and address social issues such as poverty and education.

Carnegie suggests that the best way to distribute wealth is not through direct handouts to the poor but through investments in initiatives that promote self-improvement and societal advancement. This perspective underscores the impact of philanthropy not just on individual lives, but on society as a whole, making it clear that charitable giving is an essential component of wealth management.

The other options diverge from this core theme; they either focus on economic expansion, criticize government roles, or advocate for restructuring social hierarchies, which do not align with Carnegie’s primary message about the responsibilities of the rich toward philanthropy.