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HILL: Mr. Carnegie, many people believe that the opportunities available to men who wish to gain financial independence are fewer now than when you began your career. Some people believe that you and other men of wealth practically monopolize the field of opportunity; that you will not give others a chance. Would you mind telling me what you think of this theory?

CARNEGIE: I am glad you used the term “theory,” because the belief that there is any scarcity of opportunities in a country such as ours is nothing but pure theory. The truth is this: We have more opportunities in America, for the making of fortunes in return for useful service than in all other countries combined. This is a new country. We are just now approaching an age in which we are destined to become the greatest industrial country on earth. Within the next few years we shall see stupendous developments in the field of industry.

Lack of opportunities in America? Why, man alive! Don’t you see that our only lack is going to be a shortage of imagination, self-reliance, and initiative which will be needed to man the future of this country? I have but little patience with the shortsighted person who sees no future in America. If you will analyze those who cry “no opportunity” you will find that they are using this as an alibi for their own unwillingness to assume responsibilities and use their minds.

The time is at hand when the whole world will be turning to America for new ideas, new inventions, new opportunities, for skill and imagination. I see no less than fifty years of opportunity available to the young men of this country, every hour of which will give them far greater advantages than any I ever had.

Men who complain of lack of opportunity remind me of the Congressman who not long ago wanted to introduce a Bill in Congress providing for the closing of the Patent Office on the ground that there was nothing else to be patented. Now I sincerely hope you will not become a victim of this short-sighted belief that this country has run out of opportunities.