Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and the American Dream

Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and the American Dream

The definition of "American" is belonging to or having characteristics of America. To live in America and to be an American during the colonial period or American Revolution are characteristics defined by Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson of living what is referred to as the "American Dream."

Ben Franklin as a person is an example of the American Dream because its definition applies to many of his own personal characteristics. He lived his life with the idea that being an American means attaining whatever goals you choose to set for yourself in your lifetime. Franklin sets down the structure for the story of the American dream and the people we view as heroes with experiences from his own life.

Franklin believed to be an American meant to be successful and make a positive name for ones self. Franklin states that, "Human felicity is produced not so much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen as by little advantages that occur every day" (890). Franklin knew he could attain his idea of the American dream one step at a time and pass it on to other Americans over time.

His examples of living the American dream are shown throughout his accomplishments in his own life. For example, Franklin helped to write the Declaration of Independence, one of the most important documents in American history.

Franklin believed that in America anything was possible. So by taking advantage of that opportunity makes you a good American. He took advantage of these opportunities. Franklin's many jobs included being an inventor, politician, author, statesman, philosopher, soldier, scientist, citizen, and a printer.

Thomas Jefferson's view of the American Dream is similar in a way to Franklin's in that he believes that America is a strong country and can only become stronger with the people of America playing their part by educating themselves. He has the same mind set that anything is possible in America.

Jefferson states that, "As in philosophy and war, so in government, in oratory, in painting, in the plastic art, we might show that America, though but a child of yesterday, has already given hopeful proofs of genius, as well of the nobler kinds, which arouse the best feelings in man, which call him to action, which substantiate his freedom, and conduct