What Does The American Dream Mean To You?

The American Dream was popularized in James Truslow Adams' book "Epic of America". He wrote that "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement." He also said that "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 2017, Statista asked the current generation of Americans about the concepts they consider essential to the American Dream. Their insights are especially interesting considering the current political situation in the United States. Personal freedom comes first, considered essential for the American Dream by 66 of US respondents. Religious freedom was also considered essential by over half of Americans, along with equality, security, the pursuit of happiness and economic freedom.