the autobiography describes the circumstances that led Carnegie to begin writing his memoirs after retiring from business at a time when global conflicts were affecting his ability to focus on personal reflection. It introduces his parents and childhood in Dunfermline, Scotland, portraying a nurturing family environment that shaped his values. Carnegie reflects on his youth, the simplicity of his early life, and the influence of his father's struggles as a weaver, highlighting the family's transition to America. Throughout this introduction, Carnegie emphasizes the lessons learned from his upbringing, his inspirations, and the hardships that molded him, setting the stage for the remarkable achievements that would follow in his later life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)