| The American Dream - the pursuit of a better, richer, and fuller life, regardless of where we start - is our national ethos. It shapes our identity. Unlike societies built on rigid class structures or inherited privilege, America was founded on the radical notion that merit, effort, and character matter more than bloodline or social status. The Dream says, "Your future is not predetermined by your past. Your efforts matter. Your choices have consequences. You can be the author of your own story." The American Dream encourages innovation, risk-taking, and resilience. Belief in it turns setbacks into stepping stones and failures into learning experiences. It places the power of change squarely in the hands of the individual, and it provides the conviction that ordinary people can turn their dreams into a reality. It is not a guarantee of outcomes but of opportunity. It promises that everyone has the chance to improve their circumstances through their own efforts. The American Dream remains vital because it addresses the deepest human needs: the need for purpose, the hunger for progress, and the desire to build something lasting for future generations. In a world increasingly divided by cynicism and despair, the American Dream stands as a beacon of possibility. It has drawn millions to our shores and has guided millions more who were born here. In my view, the United States stands on three pillars: - The Declaration of Independence, which declares that we are a free people whose rights preexist government
- The U.S. Constitution, which both empowers and limits government to protect those rights
- The American Dream, which is how we exercise our right to pursue happiness
Without these three pillars, we are not the same nation. Not the same people. America is not perfect. It never has been. But it remains the best environment on Earth for ordinary people to build extraordinary lives. The souring of national sentiment isn't driven by facts as much as by narratives. When every institution you trust - your school, the media, perhaps even your political party - emphasizes America's sins over its successes, it's easy to internalize the message that this country is fundamentally flawed - and the Dream is no longer real. My goal with my new book is to better align perceptions with reality. I wrote it for three kinds of readers: - Disbelievers. They don't believe the Dream is real because they don't know what to do, aren't doing it, or don't realize they are already living it. (That last claim is provocative, but I provide compelling evidence in the book.)
- Frustrated Dreamers. They know the Dream exists, but it feels out of reach. (I provide them with the knowledge - and a concrete action plan - that will enable them to move forward.)
- Dream Achievers. They've lived some version of the Dream themselves. But they worry about their kids and grandkids. Or they want to help other Americans find the path.
My new book, The American Dream: Why It's Still Alive... and How to Achieve It, contains all my best thoughts about how to succeed in business, the financial markets... and in life. Publisher Rachel Gearhart recommends it "for anyone who needs a boost of confidence, a dose of optimism, or a concrete plan to make their most important dreams come true." The publication date is November 11, but the book is available for presale on Amazon now. If you want a copy, please act sooner rather than later. The publisher - Wiley - printed only 13,200 copies even though there are over 165,000 Oxford Club Members. (And many are buying multiple copies to give their kids and grandkids.) If you intend to download it onto your iPad or Kindle, this is not a problem. But if you want a physical copy or plan to give the book away as a gift, pre-ordering it will guarantee your copies. In my next column, I'll talk about the groups who have made Americans so cynical and pessimistic. I call them "The Enemies of the American Dream." You will be surprised to learn who made the list - and why millions continue to listen to them. Good investing, Alex | 
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