Wisdom From the Wealthy Dead: A Medium Interviews the Soul of Andrew Carnegie

By Shirley Smolko

Step into the extraordinary life and mind of Andrew Carnegie, one of the wealthiest and most influential individuals of his time. In this captivating book, the spirit of Andrew Carnegie shares his thoughts on a wide range of topics, offering profound insights into his motivations, values, and the principles that guided his life's remarkable traj

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Venetian Medium, LLC
• Release date: Oct 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9781958104064

Book preview

Wisdom From the Wealthy Dead

Wisdom From the Wealthy Dead

Wisdom From the Wealthy Dead

A Medium Interviews the Soul of Andrew Carnegie

Shirley Smolko, MBA, MSA

The Venetian Medium, LLC

Copyright Notice

Wisdom From the Wealthy Dead: A Medium Interviews the Soul of Andrew Carnegie

Copyright ©2023 Shirley Smolko. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher or author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Cover Design by Shirley Smolko

Printed in the U.S.A.

First Printing 2023

Print Book ISBN: 978-1-958104-05-7

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-958104-06-4

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023918399

Cavallaro Publishing

North Venice, FL.

Disclaimer

This book contains material from a distant time that may not be gender-neutral or sensitive. Therefore, all pronouns shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine, neuter, singular, or plural; wherever used herein, a pronoun in the masculine gender shall be considered to include the feminine gender.

The publisher and the author do not make any guarantee or other promise as to any results that may be obtained from using the content of this book. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the publisher and the author disclaim all liability in the event any information, commentary, analysis, opinions, advice, or recommendations contained in this book prove to be inaccurate, incomplete, or unreliable or result in any losses.

In summary, you understand that we make absolutely no guarantees regarding income as a result of applying this information, as well as the fact that you are solely responsible for the results of any action taken on your part as a result of any given information.

Who This Book is For

This book is for entrepreneurs, investors, business students, and anyone looking for the same financial and business wisdom that tycoons throughout the ages have used to amass great wealth. This wisdom is as applicable today as it was during the ancient times of King Solomon and the era of the second industrial revolution—known as the Gilded Age.

It doesn’t matter whether you believe in mediums or not—the channeled wisdom within the pages of this book is timeless and may help you become a captain of industry in your own right.

Carnegie's journey from a humble Scottish immigrant to an industrial magnate and philanthropist exemplifies the American Dream. His commitment to self-improvement, innovation, and giving back to society left an indelible mark on American history. His legacy endures through the thousands of libraries, institutions, and causes he supported, which continue to benefit countless individuals and communities.

It doesn’t matter whether you believe in mediums or not—the channeled wisdom within the pages of this book is timeless and may help you become a captain of industry in your own right.

Acknowledgement

Iwant to thank my husband, Joe, and Ernest Hemingway for encouraging me to write. There was a day when I had been praying and seeking guidance from the Creator as to whether or not I should continue writing. On the night of this day, my husband dreamed he was having a cocktail with Ernest Hemingway at Sloppy Joe’s. In the dream, he asked Mr. Hemingway, Do you have any advice for my wife, Shirl? Ernest took a swig of his drink, turned his head, looked at Joe, and said, Tell Shirl to keep at it.

The next morning, we awakened facing each other in bed. Joe looked me directly in the eyes and said, I have a message from Ernest Hemingway; he said for you to keep at it. Now, this wouldn’t normally have been a big deal for me; however, because my husband didn’t know I had prayed the day before for guidance as to whether or not I should continue writing, it was definitely a big deal. It was an objectified answer to prayer. So, once again, here I go. I’m gonna keep at it!

Preface

About the Medium

As a psychic medium, I can communicate with spirits in the afterworld and relay their messages to people in the physical world. Recently, the practice of mediumship has been gaining popularity through shows like The Long Island Medium, Monica the Medium, Mama Medium, and The Hollywood Medium. People are often skeptical of mediums until they have a reading that provides them with valid evidence that can’t be disputed.

There are two types of mediumship: mental and physical. Mental mediumship, also known as psychic mediumship, uses the medium’s consciousness to communicate information through extrasensory perceptions such as clairvoyance (seeing), clairaudience (hearing), clairsentience (touch), clairempathy (emotions), clairolfactory (smell), and clairgustance (taste). Physical mediumship is more or less associated with the religious practice of spiritualism. Raps, ectoplasm, levitation, and materialization are said to occur when the spiritualist medium is communicating with spirits. Spiritualist mediums are individuals who participate in the spiritualist religion and may or may not have any genuine mediumistic ability. Psychic mediums, including myself, are usually not associated with a spiritualist church, nor do we practice their methods or hold the same beliefs.

Like most legitimate psychic mediums, I was born open to the spirit world. I have been able to perceive spirits and psychic information for as long as I can remember. I came by my abilities honestly. Both my mother and father had abilities. My mother was what I call a sleeping medium. Spirits visited and gave her messages through her dreams. My father could see and communicate with spirits while wide awake. His abilities occurred spontaneously so often throughout the day that I began to wonder if he might be schizophrenic. While I was studying psychiatric nursing, I researched the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to determine if he suffered from any form of mental illness. Fortunately, his behaviors didn’t fit any of the categories for schizophrenia or any other mental illness, mainly because he was always completely grounded and could distinguish physical reality from spiritual reality.

My parents divorced when I was a toddler, and my mother, brother, and I went to live with my grandma Nora. Being very religious, she tolerated it but did not encourage the use of my abilities. I learned the hard way early in life that I had to hide my gift from people outside the family. At the age of twelve, I made the mistake of giving a message from Spirit to my grandmother in front of one of her zealous religious friends. My grandmother’s brother, Joe, who had just passed away, appeared to me with a message to give Nora. I was so excited about his appearance that I immediately ran to my grandmother and delivered the message in front of her friend. Upon delivering the message, Rose aggressively reprimanded me by saying, You stop that; that comes from the devil, and you are a witch! That’s Satanism! My reply to her was, "I am neither a witch nor a Satanist. I love God, and I go to Sunday school every week. After this incident, I continued to give messages, both psychic and mediumistic, to members of my family, but I made sure I hid my abilities from the outside world. It would be many years after the deaths of my grandparents and parents that I would entertain the thought of using my abilities to help people outside my family. Television shows like The Long Island Medium and The Hollywood Medium—which helped to increase the acceptance of psychic mediums—made me feel more comfortable about embracing my abilities for public service.

Some psychic mediums also use writing to channel information from spirits. This technique is known as automatic writing and is often used in conjunction with the Clairs mentioned above. Psychic mediums Theresa Caputo (The Long Island Medium), Tyler Henry (The Hollywood Medium), and Monica Ten-Kate (Monica The Medium) use some automatic writing on their TV shows to help them deliver messages. Although I can channel information through automatic writing, I prefer to stick with the Clairs for individual and gallery event readings but to write this book, I have combined both techniques.

I don’t have to offer services as a psychic medium to make a living. I can do that in any number of ways, including nursing. I give readings because I love giving readings. It brings me much joy to provide healing to the bereaved by connecting them with their deceased loved ones.

Most spirits come to me to relay their messages to the living; however, some come to me just to tell their story. Most of my retro-cognitive dreams have occurred as a result of spirits wanting to tell me their story (I have written about some of these stories in previous books). I have been able to validate many of these stories through historical records such as the census, newspaper articles, and books. I believe these spirits are looking for absolution through confession, while others just wanted to set the record straight about their lives (these spirits knew that I would be publishing their stories to the world long before I did). As any good medium or psychotherapist would do, I allowed them to vent their concerns and tell me their stories.

Ever since I can remember, I have had a love affair with books. I not only enjoy reading them, but I also love writing them. Writing this book has allowed me to combine my love of writing with my passion for channeling spirits by telling their stories. I can’t think of any better way to spend my day than writing a book channeled by Spirit (unless I’m playing golf).

Because someone forgot to issue my privilege card when I was born, I grew up in a very poor family. I understand firsthand how poverty thinking can beget more poverty. The only way to overcome poverty is to change negative thoughts and beliefs about wealth and money. It took me many years to overcome the stinking poverty thinking that I acquired from my family of origin. As I learned more about wealth consciousness and the truth that I can be both spiritual and rich, I was able to shift my thinking and beliefs, which, combined with faith, increased prosperity in my life. I hope this book will give you the insights and inspiration you need to create your own empire of wealth.

Contents

Copyright Notice

Disclaimer

Who This Book is For

Acknowledgement

Preface

1 The Interview: Part I

2 The Cradle of Dreams

3 Across the Atlantic

4 In the Crucible of Industry

5 The Railroad Titan

6 Carnegie Steel

7 My Philanthropic Vision

8 A Legacy Beyond Wealth

9 Reflections

10 The Interview: Part II

11 The Interview: Part III

12 Concluding Remarks From the Venetian Medium

The Gospel of Wealth: Book I

13 Introduction

14 The Gospel of Wealth

15 The Advantages of Poverty

16 Popular Illusions About Trusts

17 An Employer's View of the Labor Question

18 Results of the Labor Struggle

19 Distant Possessions: The Parting of the Ways

20 Americanism Versus Imperialism

21 Democracy In England

22 Home Rule in America

23 Does America Hate England?

24 Imperial Federation

25 The Gospel of Wealth: Book II

26 The Gospel of Wealth II

About the Author

1

The Interview: Part I

Mr. Carnegie Tells His Story

The Medium: Mr. Carnegie, I would like to thank you for agreeing to be interviewed. I am very pleased to be writing this book with you and eager to learn about your life’s journey and how you came to achieve phenomenal business success.

Mr. Carnegie: My dear lady, it is indeed a pleasure to join you for this interview. I am honored to be a part of your book project and share my life's journey with you.

My path to success in business involved hard work, determination, and a deep belief in the power of education and innovation. I was born in humble circumstances in Dunfermline, Scotland, on November 25, 1835, and my family immigrated to the United States when I was just a child. We settled in Pittsburgh, a city that would play a significant role in my life.

My early years in America were far from glamorous. I started working at the age of 12 as a bobbin boy in a cotton factory, earning just $1.20 a week. However, I was a voracious reader and took advantage of the opportunities around me. I educated myself through books and sought out mentors who could teach me the ropes of business.

My first big break came when I started working for the Pennsylvania Railroad, where I learned about the burgeoning steel industry. This knowledge would later lead me to establish my own steel business, which eventually became the Carnegie Steel Company. Through a combination of innovation, cost-cutting techniques, and strategic mergers, I was able to build one of the largest and most profitable steel empires in the world.

But it wasn't just about accumulating wealth for me. I firmly believed in giving back to society, which is why I became a philanthropist. I dedicated a significant portion of my fortune to building libraries, supporting education, and fostering world peace through initiatives like the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

My journey was not without its challenges, setbacks, and controversies, but I always adhered to principles that emphasized hard work, self-improvement, and the betterment of society. I hope that by sharing my story, you and your readers can find inspiration and valuable lessons that transcend time and circumstances.

So, madame, let us embark on this journey together, and I will do my best to provide insights into my life and experiences that may help shed light on how I achieved success.

My tale is one of humble beginnings. I was born in Dunfermline, Scotland, a small weaving town, into the loving embrace of a family whose means were modest, but whose dreams were boundless. It was in the hushed confines of our meager cottage that I imbibed the lessons of thrift, industry, and the unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

As you turn the pages, you shall accompany me on a transformative journey across the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean to the land of opportunity, the United States of America. In the hallowed steel mills and factories of Pennsylvania, I toiled as a bobbin boy and, in time, harnessed the molten forces of the steel industry, building an empire that would change the face of the world.

Yet, my story is not merely one of material success. Within these chapters, you will delve into the depths of my conscience, where my evolving philosophy on wealth and the principles I articulated in The Gospel of Wealth were birthed. It is a doctrine that preaches not the amassing of riches for its own sake but the solemn obligation of those who have been blessed with wealth to utilize it for the betterment of humanity.

You shall also bear witness to the tumultuous chapters of my life, including the strife and discord that marked the Homestead Strike, a watershed moment in the labor relations of my time. The consequences of those events reverberated through the annals of history and prompted a deep introspection of my role as an industrialist and philanthropist.

As you draw near to the conclusion of this literary voyage, you will encounter the chapters of my retirement, during which I transferred my industrial holdings to J.P. Morgan and devoted my remaining years to the noble pursuit of philanthropy. The establishment of the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the enduring impact of my educational and cultural institutions shall stand as a testament to the conviction that wealth should be an instrument of societal betterment.

In the end, my story is not merely a recounting of events and accomplishments but a call to introspection and reflection. It is a repository of wisdom, lessons, and timeless principles that transcend epochs and resonate with the aspirations of individuals and societies alike. May this narrative inspire you to forge your own path, to dream audaciously, and to contribute to the greater good of our world.

So, with an open heart and a curious spirit, I invite you to turn the page and join me on this extraordinary odyssey, to glimpse the essence of a life that arose from the humblest of origins, soared to the pinnacles of wealth, and found its true purpose in the service of humanity.

2

The Cradle of Dreams

Born Into Obscurity

In the quiet town of Dunfermline, nestled amidst the rolling hills of Scotland, my story begins. It is a place where time seemed to stand still, and the future held its secrets close, a place where the echoes of the past reverberated through every cobblestone street and thatched roof.

It was on a crisp morning on November 25th, in the year 1835, that I, Andrew Carnegie, drew my first breath. My birthright was neither wealth nor privilege, but rather the humblest of beginnings. My father, William Carnegie, a handloom weaver, and my mother, Margaret Morrison Carnegie, were hardworking souls who eked out a modest existence in our simple cottage on Moodie Street. The air was often filled with the rhythmic clatter of the looms and the rich scent of the textile industry that permeated our lives.

As I entered the world, Dunfermline was a town steeped in tradition, a place where generations of weavers had woven their hopes and aspirations into the fabric of their creations. But the winds of change were blowing across the Scottish moors, and even in my infancy, I sensed the tremors of transformation.

My parents, humble and diligent, imparted their values to me from the earliest days of my youth. I learned the principles of thrift, industry, and the importance of hard work through their actions and the stories they shared by the fireside. Our home may have been small, our means meager, but within those walls, I absorbed lessons that would prove invaluable in the years to come.

But fate had other plans, and the promise of a brighter future lay across the Atlantic Ocean, in the land of boundless opportunity—the United States of America. The tales of prosperity and the allure of the New World beckoned to me, a siren song that grew ever more enticing with each passing day.

And so, my dear readers, as I lay in my cradle, unaware of the monumental journey that awaited me, I was but a humble Scottish lad, born into obscurity, destined for the loom, and yet, unknowingly, poised to embark upon a remarkable odyssey—an odyssey from rags to riches, from the weaver's shuttle to the steel empire, an odyssey that would ultimately redefine the very essence of success and philanthropy.

3

Across the Atlantic

A New Beginning

The decision to leave the tranquil shores of Scotland behind and venture into the unknown of America was not one made lightly. It was a decision that weighed heavily on my family, yet it was a decision that promised a chance for something more, something beyond the looms and the narrow confines of Dunfermline. Thus, in the spring of 1848, at the tender age of twelve, I embarked on a journey that would alter the course of my life forever.

As I stood on the deck of the sailing ship Wiscasset, bidding farewell to the land of my birth, the salty sea breeze carried a mixture of trepidation and anticipation. My parents, William and Margaret Carnegie, accompanied me, along with my younger brother, Tom. We had few possessions and even fewer connections awaiting us in the New World. Yet, our spirit of hope fueled our voyage across the Atlantic.

The weeks at sea were an adventure in themselves. The vastness of the ocean, its seemingly endless expanse, was both humbling and awe-inspiring. It was during these days and nights, as the ship creaked and swayed with the rhythm of the waves, that I often reflected upon the possibilities that lay ahead.

Finally, on a crisp morning in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty not yet erected, we set foot on American soil. The bustling streets of New York City, a far cry from the quiet lanes of Dunfermline, greeted us with their chaotic energy and boundless opportunities. It was a city teeming with immigrants, each one carrying their own dreams and aspirations.

My family's first months in America were marked by hardship. We settled in the crowded, impoverished neighborhood of Allegheny City, just across the river from Pittsburgh. My father, a skilled handloom weaver in Scotland, struggled to find work in his trade in this new land. It was a harsh awakening to the realities of immigrant life.

To make ends meet, I took on my first job, working as a bobbin boy in a cotton factory. The long hours and meager pay were a stark contrast to the dreams of prosperity that had drawn us to America. But even in those challenging times, I maintained the lessons of thrift and industry instilled in me by my parents.

As I toiled in the factory, my mind never ceased to churn. I absorbed the workings of the industrial world around me, learning not only the art of labor but also the art of business. The factory floor became my classroom, and I was an eager student, observing the machinery, the processes, and the rhythms of production.

But life had a way of surprising me. It wasn't long before my determination and intelligence caught the eye of a local entrepreneur, Colonel James Anderson. Recognizing my potential, he opened his personal library to me, a priceless treasure trove of knowledge that further ignited my thirst for learning.

The library became my sanctuary, a place where I delved into the works of great thinkers, philosophers, and entrepreneurs of the time. I read voraciously, honing my intellect and broadening my horizons. It was in these moments, amidst the pages of books, that I began to conceive grander visions for my future.

My time as a bobbin boy was not destined to last. An opportunity arose for me to become a messenger boy for the Ohio Telegraph Company, a role that would introduce me to the world of communication and technology—a world that was rapidly evolving and held the promise of greater things to come.

As I stood on the precipice of adolescence, my journey in America had only just begun. The lessons of resilience, adaptability, and ambition that I had gleaned from my experiences thus far would prove invaluable as I forged ahead, determined to carve out my own destiny in this land of boundless opportunities.

In the chapters ahead, dear readers, you will accompany me on this unfolding odyssey, from the cotton factories of my youth to the vibrant landscape of American industry. The trials and tribulations, the setbacks and successes, will weave together a narrative that embodies the quintessential American dream—a dream that would ultimately lead me from rags to riches.

4

In the Crucible of Industry

The Apprentice

As I embarked on my journey through the teeming streets of Pittsburgh in the mid-19th century, I was but a young lad of thirteen, armed with a keen intellect and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. My days as a messenger boy for the Ohio Telegraph Company had introduced me to the burgeoning world of communication and technology, but greater adventures awaited me as I delved deeper into the heart of American industry.

Pittsburg was a city on the cusp of transformation. The clamor of industry echoed through the valley, and the fiery glow of iron and steel mills lit up the night sky. It was a place where fortunes were forged in the crucible of innovation, where the American dream manifested itself in the foundries and factories that dotted the landscape.

But life had more lessons in store for me. A chance encounter with Colonel James Anderson, my benefactor and the guardian of his personal library, opened a new chapter in my intellectual development. His invitation to use his library sparked my love for reading, and he soon became my mentor in the truest sense.

Under Colonel Anderson's guidance, I embarked on a course of self-education that would rival any formal schooling. He encouraged me to read widely, to explore subjects beyond my immediate surroundings. It was under his watchful eye that I cultivated my passion for literature, for history, and the enlightenment of the human mind.

As I turned the pages of books by the great thinkers of the world, I began to envision a destiny beyond the cotton factory. I dreamed of a life where the world of books and the world of industry could intersect—a life where my intellect could drive progress and innovation.

Shortly thereafter, I transitioned to the role of a telegraph messenger, a position that not only aligned with my earlier experiences but also provided me with a valuable skill set in the burgeoning world of communication. The telegraph was transforming the way information flowed, and I was at the forefront of this revolution, bearing messages that connected people and businesses across vast distances.

With my newfound expertise, I seized an opportunity to work as a telegraph operator for the Pennsylvania Railroad. The role allowed me to not only learn the intricacies of the telegraph but also to gain insights into the operations of one of the largest and most influential corporations of the time. It was a stepping stone towards a future that was slowly taking shape in my mind.

My time as a telegraph operator would mark the beginning of my ascent in the world of industry, a world teeming with possibilities and ripe for innovation. The experiences of my youth, the mentorship of Colonel Anderson, and the lessons of resilience and determination would all converge as I set my sights on a future beyond the telegraph wires.

5

The Railroad Titan

Building the Foundation

As I transitioned from the role of a telegraph operator to a more substantial position within the Pennsylvania Railroad, my life began to take on new dimensions. The sprawling network of railroads, with its iron tracks and steam locomotives, was the lifeblood of the American economy in the mid-19th century. It was within this industry that I found my calling and embarked on a journey that would eventually lead to the creation of a vast industrial empire.

My work as a telegraph operator had given me an intimate understanding of the importance of communication in the railroad business. The rapid expansion of the railroads demanded efficient ways to coordinate operations, track schedules, and ensure the safety of trains. My skills as a telegraph operator were