The American Dream

The term was first used by James Truslow Adams in his book The Epic of America which was written in 1931. He states: “The American Dream is, that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.”

The American dream for the majority of those who live in an Americanized world is being successful, being in control of their destiny and above all, living free. Becoming successful has been the dream of most people, provided the person believes in the dream. Controlling one’s own destiny is an essential part of the “American Dream”. Like freedom, this is a significant part of the dream because it is rare in the world. In most countries, a person is told by the government what they will become or are born into a caste system where they are stuck till death. In America, or in an American dream, a person could be born into a low-income family and excel to acquire great fortunes through hard work. Freedom of choice is another important part of the dream. The ability to have the freedom to express ones views, thoughts and opinions on all matters and the freedom of choice to make individual decisions for personal betterment.

In short, an American dream is the ability to have personal freedom, being able to get the highest level of education, being successful in finding an appropriate job, to have a happy family and to have an affordable place of living. All these factors make up the American dream and exist as a goal for every person who is trying to reach it.