The idea of the American dream is undeniably a foundational component of our national ethos. As residents in the land of opportunity, we are reminded constantly that, in America, the sky is the limit when it comes to economic and social opportunity. We pride ourselves on living in a country where any honest, hard worker can make a life for themselves and is not bound to the circumstances into which they were born. While it should be noted that the conditions for upward social mobility are increasingly restrictive and stifling, the individual liberty that Americans enjoy today, compared with the conditions of many other countries around the world, ought to be celebrated and cherished. Yet, I think this “American dream” mindset, like all other good things in life, can become toxic and dangerous when taken to unhealthy extremes.
The inevitable downfall that accompanies a relentless pursuit of the American dream is the basis for some of the most celebrated literature in our country’s history, such as “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald and “An American Tragedy” by Theodore Dreiser. It has long been recognized that there are dangerous consequences that come to those who chase wealth and status obsessively. When the American dream mindset is embraced without reasonable caution, a common trajectory begins to form. It is an upside-down, v-shaped trajectory. It is a trajectory that represents one’s constant pursuit for more — more money, more status, more power — that ultimately reaches an inflection point of destruction that flips the trajectory downward and toward ruin.
I find this idea of a life trajectory interesting. It reminds me of something I learned from Dr. Scott Adair’s freshman Bible class. While discussing the Christology of Philippians 2, Adair drew a trajectory on the board that was meant to represent the life of Jesus. It was a trajectory that represented the self-emptying, sacrificial, outpouring love that defined Jesus’ life and ministry. This downward trajectory of intentional humility reaches its inflection point at the cross, where the trend flips upward, as Jesus is exalted through resurrection.
I find this comparison interesting because the trajectory of Jesus happens to be the complete opposite trajectory of the American dream. Whereas the American dream is concerned with how much one can acquire for themselves, the trajectory of Jesus is one of self-outpouring. Whereas the American dream is rooted in selfish ambition, the trajectory of Jesus is rooted in selfless humility. Whereas the American dream often leads one to personal ruin, the trajectory of Jesus leads one to true joy and fulfillment.
We ought to ask ourselves what trajectory we are using our lives to pursue. Do we wish to be radical advocates of personal gain or radical advocates of selfless love? Do we care more about what we can get from the world or about what we can give? What good is it to gain the whole world just to lose your soul? Imagine with me what our country would look like if we all sought to pursue the trajectory of Jesus more passionately and courageously than we did the American dream.
There is nothing inherently wrong with economic liberty or the American dream. But we should recognize that our country has gone to immoral extents in terms of its life-sucking worship of profit. We ought to remind ourselves more of this trajectory of Jesus, and do what we can to better emulate his ultimate example of self-outpouring love.
