Griffin Speaks

THE AMERICAN DREAM

What is the American Dream? Some define the American Dream as the aspirations of Americans to live better than their parents did. The author of The Epic of America, James Truslow Adams, first utilized the term. In his book written in 1931, Adams 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. It is a difficult dream for the European upper classes to interpret adequately, and too many of us ourselves have grown weary and mistrustful of it. It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.” 

So often we see people who have picked themselves up by their bootstraps and realized the American Dream only to see their kids to be unable to achieve it. Why? Do we give our kids too much when we become successful? Do we take away the struggle so much so that it cripples them?  

I take particular notice of successful people who are able to raise children who become successful in attaining the American Dream as presently defined. So many people are in awe of the poor kid who becomes successful in achieving the American Dream, but if you look around you will find it is more unique to find the affluent kid able to become successful in attaining the American Dream. If that Dream is defined as one living better than one’s parents. Give it some thought. Some kids in order to attain the American Dream need only stay out of jail. Some kids must earn professional degrees and make millions of dollars. 

While many see the American dream as a pursuit of the good life, lots of money and material things. I choose to redefine the American Dream to be “the ability to live a simple and fulfilling life.” If you want true happiness learn to live a simple and fulfilling life!