The Carnegie Institution for Science: A Legacy of Fundamental Discovery

The Carnegie Institution of Washington, more widely recognized for public purposes as the Carnegie Institution for Science (CIS), is a distinguished non-profit organization in the United States dedicated to the advancement of scientific knowledge. Established to both fund and perform pioneering scientific research, the Institution has played a pivotal role in numerous breakthroughs since its founding in 1902. Its headquarters are centrally located in Washington, D.C., serving as the administrative hub for its various research departments.

As of June 30, 2020, the Institution's robust financial health was underpinned by an endowment valued at $926.9 million. This substantial endowment enables CIS to provide long-term support for high-risk, high-reward basic research, free from the immediate pressures of external funding cycles. In the fiscal year 2018, the total expenses allocated to its diverse scientific programs and administration amounted to $96.6 million, underscoring its significant investment in the pursuit of discovery. Leadership of the Institution, as of July 2, 2018, rests with its president, Eric Isaacs, who oversees its strategic direction and scientific endeavors.

Andrew Carnegie: The Visionary Philanthropist Behind Scientific Progress

The very existence and enduring mission of the Carnegie Institution for Science are rooted in the extraordinary vision and immense wealth of Andrew Carnegie. Born in Dunfermline, Scotland, on November 25, 1835, Carnegie emigrated to the United States with his parents in 1848 at the tender age of 12. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the wealthiest Americans in history is a testament to his industrious spirit and business acumen. He initially started his career as a telegrapher, a burgeoning field at the time, and by the 1860s, he had strategically invested in various burgeoning industries, including railroads, railroad sleeping cars, bridge construction, and even oil derricks. His financial prowess was further enhanced through his work as a highly successful bond salesman, adept at raising capital for American enterprises from European investors.

Carnegie's industrial empire culminated in the formation of the Pittsburgh-based Carnegie Steel Company, which became the largest steel producer in the world. His pioneering use of the Bessemer process and vertical integration revolutionized the American steel industry during the late 19th century, profoundly contributing to the nation's rapid industrialization. In 1901, Carnegie sold his colossal enterprise to J.P. Morgan for an astonishing $303,450,000. This sale led to the formation of the colossal U.S. Steel Corporation, the world's first billion-dollar corporation. Following this landmark transaction, Carnegie temporarily surpassed John D. Rockefeller, the oil magnate, as the richest American for several years, cementing his status as an unparalleled industrialist of the Gilded Age.

The Gospel of Wealth and Carnegie's Philanthropic Legacy

Having accumulated an unprecedented fortune, Andrew Carnegie shifted his focus entirely to large-scale philanthropy, believing that the wealthy had a moral obligation to use their fortunes for the betterment of society. This philosophy was famously articulated in his influential 1889 essay, "The Gospel of Wealth." In this seminal work, Carnegie passionately argued that wealth held in private hands, beyond what was needed for personal comfort, should be administered for the public good, advocating for "wealth distribution for the purpose of improving mankind." He championed progressive taxation and an estate tax, urging the rich to become mere "trustees" of their wealth, applying it for the common welfare. This powerful articulation of social responsibility stimulated an unprecedented wave of modern philanthropy in the United States and the British Empire.

During the final 18 years of his life, Andrew Carnegie embarked on an extraordinary giving spree, distributing approximately $350 million—an amount roughly equivalent to $5.5 billion in 2021 purchasing power—to various charities, foundations, and universities. This represented nearly 90 percent of his entire fortune, making him one of history's most generous benefactors. His philanthropic endeavors exhibited a particular emphasis on areas he believed would foster intellectual and societal progress, including the establishment of local public libraries, the promotion of world peace, advancements in education, and, critically, the support of scientific research.

His vast philanthropic empire includes the creation of numerous iconic institutions that continue to shape the world today. Among these are the magnificent Carnegie Hall in New York, NY, a world-renowned concert venue; the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, a symbol of international justice; the Carnegie Corporation of New York, one of the largest and most influential grant-making foundations; the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, dedicated to advancing cooperation and peace; the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland, supporting higher education in his homeland; the Carnegie Hero Fund, recognizing acts of heroism; Carnegie Mellon University, a leading research university; and the extensive network of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, preserving culture and history. The Carnegie Institution for Science stands as a cornerstone of this enduring legacy, reflecting Carnegie's profound belief in the power of scientific inquiry to drive human progress and discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Carnegie Institution for Science and Andrew Carnegie

What is the primary mission of the Carnegie Institution for Science?

The Carnegie Institution for Science (CIS) is dedicated to performing and funding fundamental scientific research. Its mission is to make groundbreaking discoveries in areas such as astronomy, Earth sciences, plant biology, developmental biology, and global ecology, without being constrained by immediate practical applications, thus expanding the frontiers of human knowledge.

Who was Andrew Carnegie?

Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) was a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist. He built the Carnegie Steel Company, becoming one of the wealthiest individuals in history, and later dedicated the vast majority of his fortune to philanthropy, establishing numerous foundations and institutions worldwide.

What was "The Gospel of Wealth"?

"The Gospel of Wealth" is an influential essay written by Andrew Carnegie in 1889. It articulated his philosophy that the wealthy have a moral obligation to use their fortunes to improve society, advocating for the active administration of wealth for the public good rather than its mere accumulation.

How much did Andrew Carnegie give away during his lifetime?

Andrew Carnegie gave away approximately $350 million during the last 18 years of his life, which is roughly equivalent to $5.5 billion in 2021 dollars. This represented almost 90 percent of his entire fortune, making him one of history's most significant philanthropists.

What other major institutions did Andrew Carnegie establish?

Beyond the Carnegie Institution for Science, Andrew Carnegie founded a wide array of influential institutions, including Carnegie Hall, the Peace Palace, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Carnegie Mellon University, the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland, the Carnegie Hero Fund, and the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, among many others, reflecting his diverse philanthropic interests in education, peace, and culture.