Business & Tech · 19th Century
Andrew Carnegie’s Last Words
“I hope they would simply say I tried to live a noble life.”— Andrew Carnegie, August 11, 1919
Who Was Andrew Carnegie?
Andrew Carnegie was the steel magnate who became one of the wealthiest Americans in history, then gave away 90% of his fortune.
The Final Moments
Carnegie died at his Lenox, Massachusetts estate from bronchial pneumonia.
Are These Words Verified?
This reflects Carnegie's expressed sentiments during his final months rather than literal deathbed words. Biographies report he was largely unconscious before death from pneumonia, but the sentiment about living nobly was documented in conversations with family.
Sources
- biography Carnegie biography by David Nasaw
- newspaper Contemporary newspaper obituaries 1919
Legacy
Carnegie gave away over $350 million; Carnegie Hall and Carnegie Mellon University bear his name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Andrew Carnegie’s last words?
“I hope they would simply say I tried to live a noble life.”
How did Andrew Carnegie die?
Andrew Carnegie died on August 11, 1919 at the age of 83. Cause of death: Bronchial pneumonia.
Were Andrew Carnegie’s last words documented?
This reflects Carnegie's expressed sentiments during his final months rather than literal deathbed words. Biographies report he was largely unconscious before death from pneumonia, but the sentiment about living nobly was documented in conversations with family.
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