The American Dream & The Social Contract

The American Dream & The Social Contract

The date is July 4th, 1776—this day marks the official birth of the American experiment. Conceived by settlers escaping British tyranny, America emerged as a new beacon of opportunity, a place where anyone, regardless of their origins, could aspire to greatness. The Atlantic ocean provided the necessary distance from the old-world aristocracy, creating a land of self-belief, where the ambitious could chase their dreams. This ideal gave rise to the American Dream: the notion that anyone, regardless of their starting point, could become a king.

However, this vision exists in tension with the social contract, an implicit agreement between the ambitious and the modest. This social contract stipulates that basic necessities—such as home ownership, access to education, work, entertainment, and occasional vacations—should be available to all. In return, the working class accepts the status quo, allowing the ruling class to maintain its position. This agreement demands that the ruling class ensure these essentials are accessible and that the gap between the wealthy and the poor remains manageable. Breach of this contract, as the unwritten rules suggest, could lead to the dissolution of societal harmony.

In recent years, a growing number of individuals have begun to reject traditional American ideals. The failure of the ruling class to uphold this social contract has fueled rising discontent and increased civil unrest. This dissatisfaction is evident not only in the U.S. but also in the UK and France, where younger generations are moving away from established norms. They are rejecting traditional family structures, reducing birth rates, opting out of conventional workplaces, and calling for the eradication of capitalism.

This shift, characterized by apathy and a lack of preparedness compared to previous generations, has led to global uncertainty. The calculated decisions and resilience of past generations, which once guided societies through challenges, appears to be absent. As the saying goes, “good times make weak men, and weak men make tough times.” This cyclical nature of societal change underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and adaptation to preserve the balance and thus the long term viability of the republic.

Inspiration 

 

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