The Ambiguous Dream

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“The Ambiguous Dream” “Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.” - Thomas Jefferson. The presence of freedom: the greatest feeling of all: a world without the chains that hold back one’s autonomy and liberty; a world where one is given an endless amount of opportunity to strive and prosper. This simply is what constituted the American Dream: the ultimate desire that mankind was so desperate to reach. The dream holds the belief that any person living in the United States can achieve success from hard work regardless age, ethnicity, religion, status or intelligence. With this success comes materialism which ultimately was the basis of superiority in the 1920s: people who drive exotic cars, own beautiful houses and wear expensive clothing become relevant in the American society. …show more content…

Sailing to the promise land, after facing cruel hostility and persecution from European homeland; the people of Europe are given one last chance for prosperity. Kicking through the golden doors of America; the Europeans become quite eager to begin their new lives—a better life that not only offers chance, but inevitable freedom. Ralph Waldo Emerson asks “For what avail the plough or sail, Or land or life, if Freedom fail? Failure was not an option, with lives put on the line: the sailors; the ploughers —the land gained; the land lost— the hearts of fame; the hearts of shame—what was freedom really

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