What is the American Dream?

[jackmiller]

What is YOUR American dream and how is this different relative to the "average American's"dream these days with all of the data pointing to huge debt/no savings for the avg American?

Would like to hear from others on this as these two questions continually float around my head while stuck in traffic...lol

[bjl584]

Financial independence would be at the top of my list so far as money is concerned.

No debt and enough wealth to do whatever I want. Quit working and pursue my own interests.

[Eagle]

Apparently the term "The American Dream" was first coined and/or popularized in 1931 by James T. Adams:

“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.”

[Eagle]

When I think of the American Dream I think of opportunities for prosperity, success, upward mobility.

As I understand the idea stems from the United States Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights” which include “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

For me, the American dream means we own our house and cars debt free. That I have a career that allows me to grow, provide for my family, and eventually retire comfortably. That we can go on vacations paying cash, that we have a net worth of 1 million, and we have 12 months of an emergency fund in the bank.

[krantcents]

The American Dream becomes personal and everyone will interpret it differently. I always thought of it as opportunity for prosperity. I was able to achieve financial independence at 38 years old. I think the American is alive and well, if you are willing to work for your dreams.

[Singuy]

Already living it. Clean water, good sewage system, electricity, paved roads, clean air, stable government, decent health care, not starving and fighting for food..yup..don't really need anything more.

[krantcents]

For me, it was financial independence! I achieved it at 38 years old. I had my dream house, 2 kids, and enough money to never work again unless I waned to. I was able to take on assignments that I enjoy vs, working for money. This was my American dream!

[JoeP]

From a personal point of view: having enough money to live comfortably, avoid debt, retire with dignity, have the freedom to donate my time and money to the betterment of others, and to do what I can to leave the world in a better place.

[johnzendrac16]

American dream would be financial independence and fresh environment

[Patrick_OG]

Apparently the term "The American Dream" was first coined and/or popularized in 1931 by James T. Adams:

“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.”

Sounds good to me. This seems to be against the political system though, in which people are given favors and advancement because they know people.

Anywho, I was having this conversation with a member of the community band of which I am a participant. He was complaining about how his son-in-law had no ambition and was working a dead end job ad a logistics company. I told him that as long as he was happy, then i guess it doesn't matter. It seems, at least to me, that it would be better to be in a loving and happy relationship and doing something that helps to maintain that relationship then to be worried about things that don't really matter. Sometimes being in a family ans just working is good enough.