Income Disparity and the Death of the American Dream are created equal, that is to say they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (492). Recognized by some as one of the most eloquent and influential phrases in American history, Thomas Jefferson's words have stuck with us for over two centuries and we still have no clear definition of what these words actually mean. “inalienable rights”. While many can generally agree on the meaning of life and liberty, happiness, on the other hand, has long been a matter of discourse. As Americans embark on a new ideal of American living, it's worth reflecting on what this indefinable phrase really means. Although our nation's founding document states that we are afforded these rights, what did Jefferson really mean by the pursuit of happiness? Is happiness really accessible? And more importantly, what does it mean for us today? The declaration issued by Congress on July 4, 1776, as America severed ties with Great Britain and set out on the path to independence, has become a distinctive American concept. When writing the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson is said to have drawn from John Locke's Second Treatise of Government, which notes "life, liberty, and estate" and "lives, liberties, and fortunes" replacing the third term for happiness. "Be that as it may, there is little doubt that for many Americans, including Jefferson, property in the 18th century was a value associated with the pursuit of happiness, taking its place alongside life, freedom and security as ri... .middle of paper ...... Kamp. “Rethinking the American Dream.” Vanity Fair April 1, 2009: Research Library, ProQuest. Internet. July 20, 2011. Leland, John. "The Nation; In Pursuit of Happiness, Jefferson to J.Lo." New York Times June 29, 2003: 1. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Internet. July 20, 2011. McMahon, Darrin M. “The Market and the Pursuit of Happiness.” » Society 43.2 (2006): 53-61. Academic Search Premier. July 20, 2011. Norberg, Johan. Policy 21.3 (2005): 9-13. Premier Academic Research. EBSCO. Internet. July 20, 2011. O'Rourke, PJ "Life, Liberty and Whoop-de-do!." Forbes 168.14 (2001): 18-20. Premier Academic Research. EBSCO. Internet. July 20, 2011. Sandler, Lauren. “The American Nightmare: We have everything the American Dream tells us, so why aren't we happy? Psychology Today 44.2 (2011): 70-77. Premier Academic Research. EBSCO. Internet. July 20 2011.

Essay / Income Disparity and the Death of the American Dream are created equal, that is to say they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (492). Recognized by some as one of the most eloquent and influential phrases in American history, Thomas Jefferson's words have stuck with us for over two centuries and we still have no clear definition of what these words actually mean. “inalienable rights”. While many can generally agree on the meaning of life and liberty, happiness, on the other hand, has long been a matter of discourse. As Americans embark on a new ideal of American living, it's worth reflecting on what this indefinable phrase really means. Although our nation's founding document states that we are afforded these rights, what did Jefferson really mean by the pursuit of happiness? Is happiness really accessible? And more importantly, what does it mean for us today? The declaration issued by Congress on July 4, 1776, as America severed ties with Great Britain and set out on the path to independence, has become a distinctive American concept. When writing the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson is said to have drawn from John Locke's Second Treatise of Government, which notes "life, liberty, and estate" and "lives, liberties, and fortunes" replacing the third term for happiness. "Be that as it may, there is little doubt that for many Americans, including Jefferson, property in the 18th century was a value associated with the pursuit of happiness, taking its place alongside life, freedom and security as ri... .middle of paper ...... Kamp. “Rethinking the American Dream.” Vanity Fair April 1, 2009: Research Library, ProQuest. Internet. July 20, 2011. Leland, John. "The Nation; In Pursuit of Happiness, Jefferson to J.Lo." New York Times June 29, 2003: 1. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Internet. July 20, 2011. McMahon, Darrin M. “The Market and the Pursuit of Happiness.” » Society 43.2 (2006): 53-61. Academic Search Premier. July 20, 2011. Norberg, Johan. Policy 21.3 (2005): 9-13. Premier Academic Research. EBSCO. Internet. July 20, 2011. O'Rourke, PJ "Life, Liberty and Whoop-de-do!." Forbes 168.14 (2001): 18-20. Premier Academic Research. EBSCO. Internet. July 20, 2011. Sandler, Lauren. “The American Nightmare: We have everything the American Dream tells us, so why aren't we happy? Psychology Today 44.2 (2011): 70-77. Premier Academic Research. EBSCO. Internet. July 20 2011.

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