William Zinsser The Right To Fail Essay

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The American Dream: A Reality The "American Dream" is a phrase that has been idolized internationally for many decades. And with good reason. The original definition of the American Dream is from James Truslow Adams in 1931: "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." In short, happiness and success comes to those who are ambitious and work hard. With America's accessible education, endless possibilities, and second chances, the American Dream is closer to reach than most people realize. In other countries around the world, because of financial status or social class, a thorough education may be an unattainable goal. Not for United …show more content…

Because of America’s network of philanthropists and government aid, no matter how hard one gets knocked down, America is the place that will help them stand back up. By keeping this reassuring information in mind, one should have no reason to not take the risk, to not chase one’s dream. In his essay “The Right To Fail”, William Zinsser boldly declares that no one should “be afraid to fail” because “failure isn’t fatal” (81). Zinsser continues: “Countless people have had a bout with it and come out stronger as a result” (81). In America, as long as one learns from their mistakes, failure will not only cause no harm, but it can even help, making the affected person a better, more experienced individual than they were …show more content…

America does provide the setting for success with certain advantageous aids, such as an accessible education for all, endless possibilities, and equal opportunities. However, these aspects can only help one during a journey to success when they are employed by someone who understands that compensation requires effort from each individual themselves. Even though reaching the American Dream is still very much possible, this does not mean it will be handed out, or that every American is simply entitled to success just for being on American

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