I think volumes will be written in the next century regarding how much we have "Taken the Argonne out the boy, and put in Harvard Business School" as the immortal LTC Frank Slade commented. Does a modern history student (or young PhD. even) even comprehend the idea of risking life (professional in this case) or face death. It was an evolution as Mr. Carnegie related. As stated earlier, the elements of fighting until the death are the same whether one succeeds or not. The dice were long cast strategically by generals and staffs long before the 24th Foot fought victoriously at Rorke's Drift versus the last charge of Captain Danjou's Legion Entrangere. The bravery of the soldier was identical, and Carnegie's sentiment understands that.
Drew Gilpin Faust's book on the Victorian death sheds some light on it, but she really misses the martial understanding of falling in battle, and the importance of continually pushing men to that ideal. Stonewall Jackson's order, "Colonel, Do your duty. I have made every effort to care for the wounded and bury the dead" sheds light on the understanding that bravery in battle is one thing a soldier can control, survival is not.
Obviously, Carnegie's exultation is completely metaphorical. As regards business history, always be wary of the CEO/entrepreneur who knows no sting of failure. Easy to think one's business success is due to talent alone, rather than some level of good fortune. Mr. Carnegie realized that his audacity could easily have ended his storied career in abject failure. Too many modern business leaders hold court as if every decision of theirs should have added an additional tablet for Moses to carry down from Mt. Sinai...
Another great post from Professor Brands. Andrew Carnegie had an amazing life. When he retired after selling his steel business to the "steel trust" of JP Morgan, he was the richest man in America - richer that John D. Rockefeller. Carnegie libraries an many cities and towns across the US are a result of what he did with his money. Carnegie-Mellon University is another.
I think volumes will be written in the next century regarding how much we have "Taken the Argonne out the boy, and put in Harvard Business School" as the immortal LTC Frank Slade commented. Does a modern history student (or young PhD. even) even comprehend the idea of risking life (professional in this case) or face death. It was an evolution as Mr. Carnegie related. As stated earlier, the elements of fighting until the death are the same whether one succeeds or not. The dice were long cast strategically by generals and staffs long before the 24th Foot fought victoriously at Rorke's Drift versus the last charge of Captain Danjou's Legion Entrangere. The bravery of the soldier was identical, and Carnegie's sentiment understands that.
Drew Gilpin Faust's book on the Victorian death sheds some light on it, but she really misses the martial understanding of falling in battle, and the importance of continually pushing men to that ideal. Stonewall Jackson's order, "Colonel, Do your duty. I have made every effort to care for the wounded and bury the dead" sheds light on the understanding that bravery in battle is one thing a soldier can control, survival is not.
Obviously, Carnegie's exultation is completely metaphorical. As regards business history, always be wary of the CEO/entrepreneur who knows no sting of failure. Easy to think one's business success is due to talent alone, rather than some level of good fortune. Mr. Carnegie realized that his audacity could easily have ended his storied career in abject failure. Too many modern business leaders hold court as if every decision of theirs should have added an additional tablet for Moses to carry down from Mt. Sinai...
Another great post from Professor Brands. Andrew Carnegie had an amazing life. When he retired after selling his steel business to the "steel trust" of JP Morgan, he was the richest man in America - richer that John D. Rockefeller. Carnegie libraries an many cities and towns across the US are a result of what he did with his money. Carnegie-Mellon University is another.
A good story well told!