The American Dream is a national ethos and ideal of the United States that represents the belief that every person has the freedom and opportunity to succeed and attain a better life through hard work, talent, and determination. It emphasizes the possibility of upward social mobility, equality, and individual prosperity regardless of one's birth circumstances. The concept was popularized in 1931 by James Truslow Adams, who described it as a dream not merely of material wealth but of a social order where everyone can reach their fullest potential and be recognized for their abilities and achievements.
The roots of the American Dream are deeply tied to the Declaration of Independence, which asserts that all men are created equal with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Historically, the American Dream has attracted immigrants seeking escape from tyranny, persecution, and poverty, hoping to build a better future based on meritocracy and equal opportunity.
While traditionally seen as a path to material success and upward mobility, the American Dream has also been critiqued for social and economic inequalities that complicate equal access to opportunity. Nonetheless, it remains a powerful symbol of hope and aspiration in American culture.
In summary, the American Dream is the vision of a land of opportunity where anyone can achieve a better life and fulfillment of their potential through effort, regardless of their background.