The American Dream

Dear Founders, 

The phrase “American Dream” is roughly 100 years old. It was born in the Great Depression, and it captures a simple idea: America is a place where every family can achieve a “better, richer, and happier life.” No matter what circumstances you’re born into, your children will end up better off than you.

The American Dream burned bright in the 20th century. But now, for most families, it is a mirage. We spend $13,000 per person on healthcare, more than twice as much as Japan, but we rank 48th in life expectancy, just behind Albania and Panama. Deaths of despair have grown sharply, as have obesity, chronic illness and mental illness. Our transportation system, an indicator of current productivity, ranks 12th globally. Our kids’ math proficiency, a determinant of future productivity, ranks 26th.

The result is that Americans are losing faith in the American Dream. 

This is the defining issue of our time. Americans are frustrated, and they have every right to be. Our great challenge is to make life work again for the average American family.

Join us.