Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919):
- Industrialist and Philanthropist: Carnegie was a successful industrialist and magnate who accumulated immense wealth during the late 19th century through his steel industry empire, Carnegie Steel Company.
- Social Darwinist and Gospel of Wealth: Carnegie, a proponent of Social Darwinism, believed in the natural selection of competition, where the fittest individuals and companies succeed. He adhered to the "Gospel of Wealth" philosophy that wealthy individuals should use their resources for society's betterment through philanthropy.
- Positive Views on Industrialization: Carnegie considered industrialization a force for progress and economic advancement, leading to increased productivity and improved material conditions for the masses. He believed that the concentration of wealth in a few industrialists would ultimately trickle down to benefit the entire society through various philanthropic efforts.
Friedrich Engels (1820-1895):
- Socialist Revolutionary: Engels was a German philosopher and revolutionary socialist, best known for his collaboration with Karl Marx in developing Marxist economic theories.
- Critique of Industrialization: Engels, unlike Carnegie, viewed industrialization as inherently exploitative and alienating to workers. He argued that capitalism, under industrialization, created class divisions, impoverished workers, and led to unjust social systems.
- Marxist Analysis: Engels' analysis drew upon the labor theory of value, which posits that the value of goods in capitalism is determined by the amount of labor that went into producing them. He believed workers were being exploited because they were not compensated fairly for their labor, leading to wealth accumulation at the top.
- Alienation and Commodification: Engels argued that industrialization resulted in workers' alienation from their work, as it becomes impersonal and repetitive, stripping away intrinsic meaning and creativity. It also led to commodification of workers' lives.
- Impact on Working Class: Engels focused on the struggles of the working class, arguing that industrialization exacerbated poverty, poor living conditions, and limited opportunities for education and advancement, creating a class-based society.
In summary, Carnegie, as an industrialist and Social Darwinist, viewed industrialization as a positive force driven by competition and leading to societal benefits through philanthropy. On the other hand, Engels, a socialist revolutionary, saw industrialization as inherently exploitative and alienating, accentuating class divisions and injustices within capitalist society.