Understanding the American Dream

From Humble Beginnings to Prosperity and Success, A Vibrant Journey Through the Iconic American Dream

Lonnie McFadden | Success Architect
ILLUMINATION
Published in
13 min readJul 30, 2023

--

A black concrete road at sunset over the hills of Central California at the start of a long road trip.
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

The American Dream.

A simple phrase packed with complex ideals, promises, and hopes.

But what is it truly?

Why does it wield such power over the collective imagination of not just the United States, but the world at large?

Dig beneath its glossy surface, and you’ll find a narrative that has been the driving force of countless stories, the fulcrum of social transformation, and the lifeblood of aspiration for millions of individuals.

Yet, as alluring as it is, the American Dream remains an enigma, its meaning shifting like the patterns of a kaleidoscope, refracted through the lens of time, culture, and individual perspective.

Does this storied concept have a singular definition, or is it a myth as varied and diverse as the people who dream it?

The Root of the Dream

It’s essential to begin our journey by looking back to the seeds from which the American Dream has grown. It finds its root in historian James Truslow Adams’s book “The Epic of America” from 1931.

--

--

Lonnie McFadden | Success Architect
ILLUMINATION

I cover personal and financial growth from unique perspectives. Join my newsletter & get a free e-book: https://lonniemcfadden.ck.page/free_e-book