The American dream is justly that, the dream we aspire towards. So we, Americans, dream of palatial retreats in the hills, lavish clothing and furniture that represents our character more vividly than one could possibly imagine. We aspire so desperately for wealth and power that we are willing to step on another man’s hand and forsake them. We latch onto parades of jewelry, flat stomachs, and perfect breasts. We strive towards an illusionary standard that is always a little too far out of reach. We are so preoccupied that we forget to forge our internal estates of honor and dignity. How have we gone so far astray that we have forgotten to respect ourselves and furnish our lives with the intangible articles of character and happiness? The “American Dream” no longer represents the ideal upon which our moral constitution was founded. We need to return to truth through solidarity and respect. We need to attain a level of equanimity which allows us to find pleasure in unadulterated leisure for the sake of balance and repose. Only then will we be afforded the truest luxury of freedom: a state of awareness and unilateral understanding capable of cultivating conviction.

A dream instills hope in subjects, fosters passion, and excites a wonder and appreciation for the sanctity of life itself. So let’s return to ideals worth fighting for. Let’s recognize the illusions that are currently inhibiting our happiness, and rebel against the status quo. Forsake the system, not the man subject to its course. Individuality is our dearest belonging, and when we sacrifice our identity for the sake of power and wealth we lose the integrity which provides consolation amidst despair. For an unexamined life is not worth living, and only once we have recognized the difference between illusion and reality will we be capable of transcendence.