Synthesis Essay: The American Dream

Words: 687
Pages: 3

The American Dream which is referred to many as the perfect lifestyle is skewed by people's perspective on how they should work. Many people in contemporary society will say that the reason they work hard is to obtain money to buy things. Many Americans are taught and pressured towards a lifestyle of hard work with the promise that happiness will come and that the money gathered will satisfy their needs. While it is important for an individual in America to be productive and work hard, it is also important to recognize that happiness isn't all about stressful hours and constant work. As more children grow up to become independent adults, they must understand where true happiness resides. In the following passage by Brigid Schult, she argues that Americans work way too hard to succeed in life and that many forget that living life and relaxation is more important to your health and overall happiness. Schult advocates for people to work hard but to also find time for leisure, for it is where true happiness resides. Americans are so fixated on materialistic items and the strive for success that …show more content…
He claims that in order to be happy you must "work hard" and "create your own luck". Both of these statements sound inspirational for many but the point he failed to make was the fact that these steps do not necessarily lead to your perfect life. Someone can work a full shift and come home to never spend time with their family. Working hard is a key component to a successful life; however, finding time for leisure can reduce the stress and complications in your life. The man in the commercial was proud to claim that he worked hard and did not take a lot of time off from work. He insinuated that taking time off would lead to an unsuccessful life, and that true happiness could be obtained through the money and items he