− | The [[American Dream]] is a belief, held by many in the United States, that through hard work, courage, and self-determination, regardless of [[social class]], a person can [[social mobility|gain a better life]].<ref>Boritt, Gabor S. ''Lincoln and the Economics of the American Dream,'' p. 1.</ref> This notion is rooted in the belief that the United States is a "[[city upon a hill]], a light unto the nations,"<ref>[[Ronald Reagan]]. [http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1989/011489a.htm "Final Radio Address to the Nation"].</ref> which were values held by many early European settlers and maintained by subsequent generations. | + | The [[American Dream]] is a belief, held by many in the United States, that through hard work, courage, and self-determination, regardless of [[social class]], a person can [[social mobility|gain a better life]]. Boritt, Gabor S. ''Lincoln and the Economics of the American Dream,'' p. 1. This notion is rooted in the belief that the United States is a "[[city upon a hill]], a light unto the nations," [[Ronald Reagan]]. [http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1989/011489a.htm] "Final Radio Address to the Nation"]. which were values held by many early European settlers and maintained by subsequent generations. |
| This concept is mirrored in other cultures, such as in the case of ''the Great [[Australia]]n Dream,'' although this refers more closely to [[home ownership]] by the same means. | | This concept is mirrored in other cultures, such as in the case of ''the Great [[Australia]]n Dream,'' although this refers more closely to [[home ownership]] by the same means. |