On one hand, he was known for his philanthropy and his belief in the power of education and self-improvement. He established numerous libraries and educational institutions, and he promoted the idea that wealth should be used to benefit society. He also advocated for workers' rights and improved working conditions.
Carnegie's business practices, on the other hand, were often ruthless and unethical. He was notorious for his use of cutthroat tactics, such as price fixing and wage cuts, to gain an advantage over his competitors. He also resisted efforts by his workers to unionize and improve their wages and benefits.
Despite his wealth and success, Carnegie was also known for his frugality and his dislike of ostentation. He lived a modest lifestyle and did not indulge in extravagant luxuries. He was also known for his aversion to paying taxes and his opposition to government intervention in the economy.
Overall, Carnegie was a complicated and contradictory figure who displayed a range of admirable and questionable qualities throughout his life. His influence on American society and the steel industry was profound, and his legacy remains complex and contested.