American Dream Synthesis Essay The dreams of previous generations are still present within the souls of future eras. The guarantee to an equal opportunity to achieve personal enrichment is the foundation of the American Dream, embodying American society as a whole. While our nation has dealt with struggles and times of prosperity, one thing remains consistent: the spirit of the American Dream. Due to the modern focus on economic success and pecuniary priorities of today’s society, the definition of the American Dream has changed, yet it is still achievable for all, no matter the circumstances of one’s upbringing. The definition of the American Dream has evolved over time; it has and always will involve being prosperous but with different …show more content…
As demonstrated in multiple scenarios, the excursion that is caused by the dream contributes to the part of the greater American story. Many Americans lack the resources and opportunities that others are naturally given, yet it is what the individual does in their specific circumstance that allows them to fulfill their own American Dream. The hardships and sacrifices that an individual goes through provides the motivation that has them continue to search for the self-gratification that stems from the American Dream. As demonstrated in Source D, the truths that we hold to be self-evident and those that provide us with Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness are shown through “a faith in simple dreams, an insistence on small miracles,” while “[participating] in the political process without fear of retribution,” (Source D). The small miracles and dreams that the people have, as well as the motivation and courage to seek out the dream embodies the entire concept that lays the foundation for the dream: hope. Without hope, the dream to succeed in America would die and the journey would no longer be possible, resulting in the downfall of American society. The dream allows others to achieve greatness through the difficult journey that is dependent on …show more content…
In today’s society, the majority of people carry the belief that the dream is unattainable. However, the fact is that they are not willing to work for it, and expect “the government [to] actively work to help people achieve the American Dream,” (Source E). This flawed mindset is what makes the dream seem distant, for the American Dream is not the source of the problem. This sense of entitlement also leads to the destruction of the motivation that runs the American Dream, as well as completely warps the definition that manifests a positive image in the beneficiary’s head. The lack of entitlement enables the dream to function to the highest capacity possible, displaying how humbling oneself makes one even more capable of achieving true greatness. The American dream is not a concept that is defined by false expectations, rather it is defined by the circumstances of