Andrew Carnegie, a 19th-century industrialist and philanthropist, held the belief that some people were worthy of charity while others were not. This viewpoint was influenced by his interpretation of Social Darwinism, which applied Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection to human society. Carnegie believed that individuals who were capable and hardworking would naturally rise to the top of society, while those who were less capable or lazy would fall behind.
Carnegie's philosophy led him to conclude that those who were "worthy" of charity were individuals who demonstrated a willingness to help themselves and others, as well as a strong work ethic. He believed that by providing assistance to these individuals, society could help them reach their potential and contribute positively to the community.
On the other hand, Carnegie viewed those he considered "unworthy" of charity as individuals who lacked initiative, were unwilling to work, or were unable to help themselves. He believed that providing charity to these individuals would only perpetuate their dependency and hinder their personal development.
It's important to note that Carnegie's views on charity and worthiness have been widely criticized, particularly for their lack of consideration for systemic barriers, inequality, and the complex factors that can contribute to an individual's circumstances. Many modern perspectives on charity and social welfare emphasize the importance of addressing root causes of inequality and providing support to all individuals in need, regardless of Carnegie's criteria of worthiness.
