Andrew Carnegie: 'Mr. Morgan buys his partners; I grow my own.'

Mr. Morgan buys his partners; I grow my own.

Andrew Carnegie's quote, "Mr. Morgan buys his partners; I grow my own," is a reflection of his philosophy towards business and the cultivation of partnerships. The meaning behind this quote is quite straightforward - Carnegie believes in the power of building relationships based on trust and mutual growth, rather than simply acquiring partners through monetary means. In essence, Carnegie values self-reliance and nurturing long-lasting bonds that can withstand the test of time.This quote holds immense importance in the business world, as it sheds light on two contrasting approaches to forming partnerships. On one hand, we have Mr. Morgan, who supposedly acquires partners through financial transactions. This implies a transactional nature of partnerships, where the focus lies on procuring assets and resources for personal gain. On the other hand, Carnegie emphasizes the importance of personal growth through developing his own connections and fostering partnerships built on shared aspirations and visions.Although Carnegie's quote already presents an interesting perspective, let us delve deeper into a philosophical concept that adds depth to the discussion. The concept is that of Plutarchian Friendship, coined after the Greek philosopher Plutarch. This ancient philosophy argues that true friendship should be based on virtue and self-improvement, rather than materialistic gains.Drawing a parallel between Carnegie's philosophy and Plutarchian Friendship, we discover a profound similarity. Carnegie's focus on growing his own partners aligns with the Plutarchian idea that true friendships and partnerships should be rooted in personal and intellectual growth. Both Carnegie and Plutarch believe in the power of meaningful connections, where individuals strive together towards self-improvement and the achievement of common goals.In contrast, Mr. Morgan's approach reflects a more transactional mindset, resembling the Epicurean concept of friendships based on utility. Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher, argued that friendships could serve purely functional purposes, such as acquiring wealth or status. Similarly, Mr. Morgan's tendency to "buy" partners implies a focus on the benefits that partnerships can bring rather than the intrinsic value of the relationship itself.However, it is essential to note that while the philosophies of Carnegie and Plutarch seem virtuous and idealistic, the reality of business can sometimes necessitate a combination of both approaches. In today's competitive world, it is not uncommon to see entrepreneurs forging partnerships through various means, including financial investments. The key lies in finding a balance between the two approaches - building relationships that involve investing time and effort into personal growth while also leveraging resources when necessary.Ultimately, Carnegie's quote highlights the importance of authentic relationships and personal growth in the realm of business partnerships. It encourages entrepreneurs to cultivate connections that go beyond materialistic gains and instead focus on nurturing partnerships based on mutual trust and shared visions. By adopting a similar approach to growing our own partners, we can foster meaningful relationships built on common goals and ensure long-term success and fulfillment in our endeavors.