The American Dream
Where the American Dream originated is a bit cloudy.
Did the idea of the American Dream begin with our forefathers as they wrote the Declaration of Independence? They did specifically say something to the effect of ‘all men being created equal’ and a little something about ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’. A bit ad-libbed there, but you get the gist.
Perhaps it began with James Truslow Adams’ book The Epic of America. He did, after all, coin the phrase ‘The American Dream’. His idea of it, however, was very similar to our forefathers: “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.”
No matter who first said it, wrote it or proclaimed it from a rooftop, the perception of the American Dream has evolved over the decades as we, as a nation, have evolved.
I remember growing up thinking that the American Dream was a husband and wife, 2.5 kids and a house with a white picket fence. Then, for a time, I thought it was making a lot of money so that I could have anything I desired. Since then, the world and the way I view it has changed. I started to look back at the roots of the American Dream; to what was written by our forefathers and James Truslow Adams.
This American Dreamer believes that if you have a dream–an aspiration to become something great, something that will make you happy–then it is possible. We live in a land where you can pursue your happiness no matter your gender, race, religion or sexual preference. Believe in yourself. Believe that, while there may be obstacles, you can find a way.
So what is your American Dream? What actions are you taking to realize your dream? Will you inspire others to do the same?
Dream . Become . Inspire