Introduction
In a speech delivered at Cooper Union's Great Hall, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman and I explored the modern meaning of the American Dream. We discussed how this centuries-old promise has frayed, and what we can do to restore it. Here are ten key insights from that conversation, leading to a call for a shared vision and systemic change.
1. The Classic Definition
The term “American Dream” was coined in 1931 by historian James Truslow Adams during the Great Depression. He described it as a land where life should be better, richer, and fuller for everyone—not just about material wealth, but about achieving one’s fullest potential regardless of birth. This definition remains our foundation today.
2. A Personal Quest
The author began blogging in 2004, and in November 2023, started writing the most difficult piece he had ever written. He asked countless Americans to share what the Dream personally meant to them, documenting their responses to capture a collective vision that could unite the country.
3. Inspiration from 'The Outsiders'
Attending a high school production of The Outsiders—based on S.E. Hinton’s 1967 novel—the author discovered the deeper meaning of “stay gold.” It wasn’t just a nostalgic phrase; it symbolized sharing the Dream with others. The play revealed that the Dream is incomplete until it’s passed on.
4. Sharing Completes the Dream
We cannot merely attain the American Dream for ourselves. The act of sharing it with fellow citizens is the final, essential step. Without this generosity, the Dream remains hollow. This insight led to the Pledge to Share the American Dream, a commitment to make the Dream accessible to all.
5. The Pledge’s Short-Term Actions
As an immediate step, the author and his family donated $1 million each to eight organizations: Team Rubicon, Children’s Hunger Fund, PEN America, The Trevor Project, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, First Generation Investors, Global Refuge, and Planned Parenthood. These groups address urgent needs like disaster relief, free expression, and youth support.
6. Supporting Digital Infrastructure
Additional million‑dollar donations went to projects that strengthen America’s technical backbone: Wikipedia, the Internet Archive, Common Crawl, Let’s Encrypt, independent internet journalism, and open‑source software. These resources power global communication and innovation.
7. A Call to All Americans
The author encourages every citizen to contribute—no matter the amount—to organizations they believe effectively help those in need. Collective action, even in small doses, can multiply impact and spread the Dream further.
8. The Need for Systemic Change
While short‑term fixes help, they are not enough. The Pledge requires a second, far more ambitious act. This involves deeper structural reforms to ensure economic security and opportunity for all, moving beyond charity to systemic solutions.
9. The Road Not Taken: Guaranteed Minimum Income
One such systemic solution is a guaranteed minimum income (also called universal basic income). This policy would provide a regular cash payment to every citizen, eliminating poverty traps and enabling people to pursue their talents. It’s a road we have not yet taken, but one that could transform the Dream from fantasy into reality.
10. Stay Gold, America
The final lesson from The Outsiders is to “stay gold”—to preserve the innocence and promise of the Dream by sharing it. As the author’s essay concluded, the Pledge is a lifelong commitment. By giving generously and advocating for bold policies like guaranteed income, we can ensure the Dream lives for generations.
Conclusion
The American Dream is not a solo achievement; it’s a collective journey. Through individual generosity, community action, and systemic change—including the possibility of guaranteed minimum income—we can build a society where everyone has the chance to reach their fullest potential. The road less traveled is the one we must now take together.