Comment Re:False Views (Score 1) 565
Comment: "Finally, consider cultures. Not everyone shares the "american dream" of becoming the super-rich boss of a huge corporation. Quite a few other cultures have other dreams. They might be happy at having found their niche where they perform best, even if it's on a smaller scale. They might not wish the ruthlessness sometimes necessary and often demonstrated by US "robber barons" and corporations, but put more value on human values and moderation. Your "success" does not necessarily have to be my success, and we both might laugh over what someone else considers his personal big success."
Reading the above one would assume that the American Dream is simply about getting rich. Having developed a number of startups in the US (it takes $30 to set up a company and about 5 minutes of your time), I can tell you that the bulk of start ups are done because its the passion of the owner. Money factors in but it is more about the building and entrepreneurial process than "getting rich".
American culture is focused on building, creating, making, and advancing. The structure of the country allows and even encourages this process. The outcome is stunning.
Note that, because the government doesn't control it's population, leaving individuals to make their own way, wealth comes easily. And for those who feel greed is the key, keep in mind that the US is the most altruistic country in the world; indeed, in history. US citizens give, out-of-pocket, more money to charity than all the countries and all the peoples of the world combined. You can even get a degree in giving your money away. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4756363.stm ).
One of the 'robber barons', Carnegie, gave most of his money away. The US library system is based upon his gift of THOUSANDS of public libraries across the nation. He is known for other great acts of philanthropy; none of which gets mentioned much.
In short, in the US, its about the journey not the destination.
Reading the above one would assume that the American Dream is simply about getting rich. Having developed a number of startups in the US (it takes $30 to set up a company and about 5 minutes of your time), I can tell you that the bulk of start ups are done because its the passion of the owner. Money factors in but it is more about the building and entrepreneurial process than "getting rich".
American culture is focused on building, creating, making, and advancing. The structure of the country allows and even encourages this process. The outcome is stunning.
Note that, because the government doesn't control it's population, leaving individuals to make their own way, wealth comes easily. And for those who feel greed is the key, keep in mind that the US is the most altruistic country in the world; indeed, in history. US citizens give, out-of-pocket, more money to charity than all the countries and all the peoples of the world combined. You can even get a degree in giving your money away. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4756363.stm ).
One of the 'robber barons', Carnegie, gave most of his money away. The US library system is based upon his gift of THOUSANDS of public libraries across the nation. He is known for other great acts of philanthropy; none of which gets mentioned much.
In short, in the US, its about the journey not the destination.
