Greg Burleson
Great Leaders: The Steel Roman
At the height of the Roman Republic, wealthy Romans spent private money on public works and spectacles in an attempt to gain honor or dignitas. This endeavor was also a ploy to gain votes for office and while this seems questionable to us, it is a significant reason why we have a wealth of surviving ancient monuments. While wealthy individuals in Roman times had much to gain through donating money, one can imagine a Rome like culture in which prominent members of society donate personal wealth for the greater good. This type of society would be greatly enhanced through the actions of a selfless few.
While selflessness as a trait is not always immediately associated with effective leadership, it is truly significant. Taking many different possible forms, selflessness appears in a variety of scenarios to inspire the masses. There is a certain undeniable attraction to those who lead personal charges despite the threat, or guarantee, of severe consequences. The example given by the Roman elites is hardly an example of selflessness as these individuals had much to gain. Fast-forward two-thousand years and another man would attempt to reignite this movement; however, this time it would be it would entirely philanthropic, it would be endlessly selfless.
The Scottish born American, Andrew Carnegie is one of the most important, yet least known men in modern history. The walking embodiment of a rags to riches story, Carnegie was able to amass an enormous steel empire and a nearly inconceivable amount of wealth. Choosing to retire at the age of sixty-six, he sold his empire to James P. Morgan for four-hundred and eighty million dollars, today’s equivalent being nearly thirteen and a half billion. Having been quiet possibly the most instrumental figure in the industrialization of the United States, Carnegie then turned his attention towards his work as a philanthropist in an attempt to improve the lives of people across the world. The good news is he was arguably most successful in this endeavor.
As any “good Roman” would have done in the pursuit of honor, Carnegie devoted his time and money and in return had his name attached to an extensive list of well recognized institutions. He started both the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh in 1901 as well as the Carnegie Institute of Science in Washington D.C. in 1902, both of which are now associated with Carnegie Mellon University. In addition, he is also responsible for founding other organizations and charitable deeds that are quite literally too numerous to list here. Carnegie is; however, best known for two other projects of significance. He was a leader in the movement fighting for literacy and established a series of public libraries, totaling over three thousand across the U.S. and English speaking world. Also, in the act that most embodies the spirit of a Roman elite, Carnegie built one of the world’s most prestigious music halls which is located in New York City; otherwise known as Carnegie Hall.
Andrew Carnegie is the embodiment of a selfless man. In a similar fashion as wealthy Romans two thousand years earlier, Carnegie devoted private funds in his interest of benefiting the public. Almost a hundred years after his death, his bones have turned to dust but his work as a philanthropist lives on. The example he set of extreme unselfishness will reign through the ages as his name and buildings will always remain in a symbiotic relationship. Carnegie blazed a trail of wealthy men and women donating their time and money to philanthropic work of their own. For this reason, Carnegie is a perfect example of selflessness.
For our next examination in leadership, we will return to ancient Rome. While this topic is objective, this man is unquestionably one of the most successful world leaders of all time. While Carnegie found the United States made of brick and left it a nation of steel, this influential Roman found Rome a city of brick and left it a city of marble.
The Cave 