What Is the American Dream?

By Motley Fool Staff – Updated Feb 26, 2025 at 2:16 PM

Key Points

Beliefs in the American Dream are declining, with only 36% affirming their belief in 2023.
Many feel that economic and political systems are unfairly biased against them.
Effective retirement planning and wealth building can counter feelings of economic disparity.

The American Dream has been in a constant state of flux. Lately, it's become a bit of a punchline. As the late George Carlin observed, "It's called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it." But the American Dream is still alive; it just means different things to different people.

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