Andrew Carnegie

Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist, played a pivotal role in the expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century. Here are some Andrew Carnegie fun facts:
Andrew Carnegie
1

Andrew Carnegie was born on November 25, 1835, in Dunfermline, Scotland.

2

He immigrated to the United States with his family in 1848.

3

Carnegie started working as a bobbin boy in a cotton factory at age 13.

4

He invested in the steel industry and founded the Carnegie Steel Company in 1892.

5

Carnegie sold his steel company to J.P. Morgan in 1901 for $480 million, making him one of the richest men in the world.

6

He is known for his philanthropy, donating over $350 million to various causes.

7

Carnegie funded the establishment of over 2,500 public libraries around the world.

8

He wrote the essay 'The Gospel of Wealth,' advocating for the wealthy to use their riches to benefit society.

9

Carnegie founded Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

10

He established the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

11

Carnegie Hall in New York City was built with his financial support.

12

He was a strong advocate for world peace and funded the construction of the Peace Palace in The Hague.

13

Carnegie's legacy includes numerous institutions and foundations bearing his name.

14

He retired from business at the age of 65 to focus on philanthropy.

15

Andrew Carnegie passed away on August 11, 1919, in Lenox, Massachusetts.

Voltaire

Voltaire, a French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher, is known for his wit, criticism of Christianity, and advocacy of freedom of speech and religion. Here are some Voltaire fun facts.
Voltaire
1

Voltaire was born on November 21, 1694, in Paris, France. His real name was François-Marie Arouet.

2

He adopted the pen name Voltaire, which is believed to be an anagram of 'Arouet le jeune' (Arouet the younger).

3

Voltaire was imprisoned in the Bastille for 11 months due to his satirical writings about the French government.

4

He spent three years in exile in England, where he was greatly influenced by the country's constitutional monarchy and respect for civil liberties.

5

Voltaire's most famous work, 'Candide,' is a satirical novella that criticizes optimism and organized religion.

6

He was a prolific writer, producing more than 20,000 letters and 2,000 books and pamphlets.

7

Voltaire was a strong advocate for freedom of speech and religious tolerance, often challenging the Catholic Church and French institutions.

8

He corresponded with many influential figures of his time, including Frederick the Great, Catherine the Great, and Benjamin Franklin.

9

Voltaire's wit and sharp tongue often got him into trouble, leading to several exiles and conflicts with authorities.

10

He was known for his love of coffee, reportedly drinking up to 40 cups a day.

11

Voltaire amassed considerable wealth through smart investments and his involvement in various business ventures.

12

He was a deist, believing in a rational God but rejecting organized religion and the supernatural aspects of Christianity.

13

Voltaire's writings and ideas significantly influenced the French Revolution and the development of modern democratic thought.

14

He lived at his estate in Ferney (now Ferney-Voltaire) near the Swiss border for the last 20 years of his life, turning it into a hub of intellectual activity.

15

Voltaire died on May 30, 1778, in Paris, and his remains were moved to the Panthéon in 1791, where he is interred alongside other great French thinkers.

Walt Disney

Walt Disney, an American entrepreneur, animator, and film producer, is best known for creating Mickey Mouse and founding Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Here are some Walt Disney fun facts:
Walt Disney
1

Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901, in Chicago, Illinois.

2

He created the iconic character Mickey Mouse in 1928.

3

Disney won 22 Academy Awards and received 59 nominations, making him the most awarded individual in Oscar history.

4

He founded Disneyland in Anaheim, California, which opened on July 17, 1955.

5

Disney also planned and initiated the construction of Walt Disney World in Florida, which opened after his death in 1971.

6

He was a pioneer in the development of synchronized sound and color in animation.

7

Disney's first full-length animated feature film, 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,' premiered in 1937.

8

He served as the voice of Mickey Mouse from 1928 to 1947.

9

Disney was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964.

10

He produced the first-ever Technicolor cartoon, 'Flowers and Trees,' in 1932.

11

Disney was an avid model train enthusiast and built a miniature railroad in his backyard.

12

His famous quote, 'If you can dream it, you can do it,' has inspired countless people worldwide.

13

Disney's EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) was his vision for a utopian city of the future.

14

He was known for his work ethic and attention to detail, often saying, 'The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.'

15

Walt Disney passed away on December 15, 1966, from lung cancer, but his legacy continues to thrive through the Disney brand and its many ventures.