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American Dream

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American Dream
American Dream A life of freedom, equality, and opportunity, more commonly known as the American Dream, motivates people every day to achieve personal happiness and material comfort. John Winthrop, Judith Sargent Murray, and Ben Franklin encouraged this lifestyle by writing to the people of the United States explaining in their own way how this utopian lifestyle can be achieved. Winthrop’s “A Model of Christian Charity” was written on board the Arbella on the way to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He inspired the people by saying that if they united in love, they would be blessed by God and have the power to impact the world. Murray’s “On the Equality of Sexes” sparked controversy as it shone a light on how women were treated in society and education. She is one of the first at the time to speak about the intelligence of women and the potential they could have if treated as equals to men. Franklin’s “The Way of Wealth” emphasizes the importance of thrift and warns against living a sloth-like life. The American Dream can be achieved through love, equality, and hard work. Love and unity are what create the American Dream according to John Winthrop. He quotes the Bible throughout “A Model of Christian Charity” to prove that this lifestyle of giving and loving is the only way to achieve a utopian society. Matthew 7:12 says, “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye the same to them also”(170). This verse, more commonly known as the Golden Rule, exhibits the main theme throughout Winthrop’s sermon. Winthrop believes that if the people unite in love, then they will be able to change the world in a positive manner. He says, “This love is a divine, spiritual nature free, active, strong, courageous, permanent; undervaluing all things beneath its proper object; and of all the graces, this makes us nearer to resemble the virtues of our Heavenly Father” (174). By promoting love and generosity, the people can achieve personal happiness. Winthrop believes that
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