by Nick Towers

Created on: April 18, 2010   Last Updated: April 19, 2010

The American Dream is a concept which has played a role in the daily lives of Americans ever since it was first coined by James Truslow Adams in his 1931 novel, The Epic of America.  In his book, he states that the American Dream is every American’s right to pursue happiness, and strive to attain to their maximum potential.  In simplistic terms, Truslow states the American Dream is the hope of leading a prosperous and fulfilling life.  It is also about having the ability to shape one’s own destiny.

Quite essential to the idea of American Dream is that success is not guaranteed, rather, the concept is highlighted by the unique chance that America gives its citizens to break past all barriers and obstacles in order to achieve what they desire.  Due to its difficult and often elusive nature, many people remain skeptical about the prospect of achieving the American Dream.  This disbelief is well exemplified by the late comedian and social critic George Carlin, with his statement, “It’s called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it."

With all that the American Dream offers, people can either gain salvation through its achievement, or suffer damnation through its failure.  Those who gain salvation carry on through any tribulations they may undergo, eventually getting into a position where they bear a legacy of positive influence.  Those who are damned through their pursuit of the American Dream have their lives put in shambles and bear a legacy of failure. While the concept of the American Dream stresses optimism for a better tomorrow and the pursuit of happiness, it offers no guarantees. As a result of this, while many succeed as a result of hard work and unwavering passion, others may fail despite working up to their very best potential.

The American Dream is of great importance to American culture, dealing with the possibility of a person achieving all they have the potential of achieving.  Encouraging the idea of working up to one’s fullest potential. The beauty of it is that it guarantees nothing except hope.  Due to this, it has led to the salvation and damnation of many people who have pursued it. 

Overall the American Dream is an idea which offers much, and works as a great summary for everything the United States of America stands for.

Learn more about this author, Nick Towers.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.