Why does Carnegie think it is better to build public institutions than to give charity to the poor?

Andrew Carnegie believed that building public institutions, such as libraries and schools, creates a lasting impact by empowering individuals and communities through education and self-improvement. He argued that charity often fosters dependency, while investing in public resources encourages self-sufficiency and personal responsibility. By providing opportunities for advancement, Carnegie felt that society could uplift the poor more effectively than through direct handouts. Ultimately, he viewed philanthropy as a means to enable individuals to improve their own circumstances rather than relying on charity.