In chapter II of the book New Ideas from Dead Economists, Todd G. Buchholz references Adam Smith and his idea about the “natural drives or ‘propensities’” (20) innate in every human being. These drives push us as humans to want to live better than we presently do. No matter our circumstances, we are somewhat dissatisfied and seek to improve upon them. This concept made me think of the idea of the “American Dream”. The American Dream is a concept related to the United States of American being a land of endless opportunities. The poor man can work his way to wealth, and the wealthy man can create even more wealth. What is the common denominator between these two men? That they both retain the dream of improving, of getting ahead. They are
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These drives are apparent in the American Dream because they are tools that every American is equipped with in order to make something of themselves. Americans rely on the skills they have. They have learned to barter their way through interviews, and exchange goods according to their comparative advantage to be more efficient and make a profit. It is a system that is tried and true in America, and is possible for every citizen of the U.S. Furthermore, it is evident that not only Americans are born with these propensities, yet not all are privileged enough to live in a land where they can use these drives to their advantage. For this reason, many people of many nations travel across the world to the land where their hard work will move them forward. A land of hope. A land full of dreams. A land where they can ultimately learn for themselves what it means to live the American Dream. In conclusions, the propensities Smith highlighted are keys to the fulfilment of the American dream for all individuals alike. They are innate in each person. Everyone, when provided with the right circumstances, can not only dream of creating a better future for themselves, but can actually attain
These drives are apparent in the American Dream because they are tools that every American is equipped with in order to make something of themselves. Americans rely on the skills they have. They have learned to barter their way through interviews, and exchange goods according to their comparative advantage to be more efficient and make a profit. It is a system that is tried and true in America, and is possible for every citizen of the U.S. Furthermore, it is evident that not only Americans are born with these propensities, yet not all are privileged enough to live in a land where they can use these drives to their advantage. For this reason, many people of many nations travel across the world to the land where their hard work will move them forward. A land of hope. A land full of dreams. A land where they can ultimately learn for themselves what it means to live the American Dream. In conclusions, the propensities Smith highlighted are keys to the fulfilment of the American dream for all individuals alike. They are innate in each person. Everyone, when provided with the right circumstances, can not only dream of creating a better future for themselves, but can actually attain