The "American Dream" is an ideal that has been present since American literature's commencement, but what exactly is it? Some might say that it's a quest for wealth, prosperity, and generally a high position in society, while others might say it is nothing but the act of settling down and having a good life. What is true is that all of the mentioned notions can be ascribed to the fundamental idea of the "American Dream." Through the passing of time, the original quest for settlement and freedom has evolved into a continuing struggle to achieve a big house, a nice car, and a life of ease. Horatio Alger's book Ragged Dick is a very suitable portrait. Alger tells the reader that anyone and everyone could improve themselves with hard work, a positive attitude, and an education, and the "American Dream" is a possible dream that can be attained by anyone.
Bill Rancic, an American entrepreneur, has been quoted saying, "The "American Dream" is still alive out there, and hard work will get you there. You don't necessarily need to have an Ivy League education or to have millions of dollars of startup money. It can be done with an idea, hard work and determination." In the book Ragged Dick, the main character Dick was nothing more than a poor city boy who was trying to earn money on the streets of New York City. Dick started with nothing, and had no education, savings, respect, home or hope for change. The only thing that Dick had going for himself was a boot blacking business and a very good value of honesty. He worked and struggled to remain honest. Through his business, he had the chance to meet plenty of people. There were many times when Dick's honesty was tested yet, being a good honest boy, he never cheated anyone. The inspiration Dick gets in the story is life changing. Throughout the novel advice is given to Dick from others who see that he can become something in his life.
The "American Dream". What is the American Dream? ... Some American Dreams are to have a family, and an average job. ... Or anything will always require hard work. ... But we have to realize when we say what our "American Dream" is, the word "Dream" is in the sentence, we have to work hard to make these dreams come true. ...
Because of the plethora of opportunities we have in America, the American dream is a reality to many people today. ... Clearly, there is no cut and dry definition of the American Dream. ... The idea that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed in American is known as the American dream. ... He worked hard long hours and learned the tricks of business. ... He was an immigrant with no money, family or knowledge of the American culture, but he worked for what he wanted. ...
The American Dream is something that everyone wants to accomplish in his or her life. ... Being the child of an immigrant it is very important for me to work hard and receive the best education possible. ... This holds true for other immigrants and their children if I can work hard and achieve my goals than they can too. My ultimate American Dream is to become a successful entrepreneur. ... I love to help others, if I can make a positive impact on another person's life then I have achieved my American Dream. ...
The American Dream foolishly asserts that the hard work of an individual is all that is required for one's income to increase substantially. ... Despite the increase in hard work by Americans resulting in the productivity growth, the rise in income still hasn't happened. ... No matter how much hard work put in, wages continue to decrease or stay stagnant, showing that the American Dream's promise of upward mobility is forgotten. ... In conclusion, the American Dream is an unattainable notion that conveys the idea that hard work is all that is required in order to have a succe...
Since the spawning of our great nation, the United States of America, there have been conflicting opinions as to what the true concept of the "American Dream" is and what it may mean to each person. ... The meaning of this dream to him is "Living a free life, and achieving all of your goals through hard work and positive ambition," qualities he thinks are vital in achieving this dream, along with morals and a solid work ethic. ... After conducting my research, I have come to believe that my personal "American Dream" is a dream that I have obtained from those around me. ... The "American D...
What is the true state of the so-called "American Dream" today? Is it still around, waiting to be achieved by those who work hard enough, or is it effectively dead, killed off by the Great Recession and the economic hardships that many Americans have come to face? ... I would redefine the American Dream today as the potential to work for an honest, secure way of life and save for the future." ... Despite the harshness of the Great Recession, a 2009 New York Times survey found that 72 percent of Americans still believed it was possible to start poor, work hard, and become rich in America (Se...
During this era, the American Dream was to have the pursuit of happiness as a result of hard work and ambition. Andrew worked hard and acted on his ambitions as he built his first powerhouse steel plant on the shores of the Monongahela River outside of Pittsburg to construct his dream into reality. ... The prolonged itinerary for the modern dream is to work hard and sacrifice things in hopes of retiring with all your desired luxuries and necessities. ... The dream has always implied that you would have to work hard, but the modern version demands that you have to work even harder. ... (The Ne...
The American dream is similar for many people. ... Although these confrontations seem hard, I plan to attack these head-on and not let them slow me down at achieving my American dream. ... The most important factor in deciding if you will achieve your American dream is plain good old-fashioned hard work. Brandon King states a fact that, "Despite the harshness of the Great Recession, a 2009 New York Times survey found that 72 percent of Americans still believed it was possible to start poor, work hard, and become rich in America (Seelye, 2009)" (King, 573). That statistic shows that...
Immigrants have a harder time in achieving the American dream compared to Americans. Americans already had a head start in accomplishing the American dream. ... Immigrants would define the American dream as being wealthy. ... Immigrants who came to America to work and looked to start a new life were interested in working in factories. ... Historians have said that everyone can accomplish the American dream as long as you work hard at it. ...