I admire many people from our past , the adventurers , explorers , and just Americans in general who were innovative , inventive , risk takers , and just plain tough . One of the historical fiqures I admire is Andrew Carnegie , A Scotish immigrant with no education who built an amazing industrial empire . He did this all on his own through dedication and hard work . With no safety net I might add . And with the great wealth he amassed , he turned his attention to humanitarian pursuits . Pursuits like building libraries and hospitals , and authoring books that that helped people but didn't baby them . Who might be some of you all's idea of great Americans ?