The American Dream Chris Gardner

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“Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.” - John F. Kennedy. Those who are willing to endure a tremendous risk of failure and loss in order to achieve something greater for themselves and the people they love and care for all while attaining the fullest stature of which they are innately capable of despite their position in society, acquiring something from nothing . . . now that’s the American Dream. The American Dream is one that can consist of many themes, good and bad, such as friendship, love, lust, greed, betrayal, loss, and broken relationships. Despite the motive for one achieving the American dream, the goal is universally equivalent amongst all those who strive towards it, and that is to achieve something greater for…show more content…
However, though requiring a great deal of effort, Chris Gardner’s case is one that is proven to be very rewarding once overcoming these strenuous ordeals. Chris Gardner’s idea of the “American Dream” is one that most importantly involves going to any lengths necessary to protect his son Christopher, and shelter him from having a life with an absent father, while also being able to provide for himself as well as Christopher financially. One day he comes in contact with a Dean Witter employee and notices his luxurious car and later finds out the Dean Witter employee is able to acquire such desires through his handsome salary at the prestigious firm. Chris Gardner finally found an answer to his suffering and sets out for his American Dream by pursuing for a position at Dean Witter through a competitive…show more content…
However a very accurate examination of the “American Dream” for me can be perfectly described in the article “Conceptions of The American Dream” which has an excerpt of James Truslow Adams’ novel The Epic of America where he states that 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…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.” In other words, a land that portrays everyone regardless of their birth, achieving what their are able to do. A land where everybody is treated and seen as equals and are recognized by others for what they are despite their position in

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