Book Reflection: The American Dream
Andrew Delbanco’s book argues that the American culture has according hope as it is developed on three key concepts; God, Nation, and self. In the book, a quote from Michael Oakeshott notes that hope is finding some end that can be pursued intensively rather than a mere instance and desire (Delbanco 4). I totally agree with this statement since hope should is about finding something which can inspire an individual for an extended period but not just in the short-term. In my definition, Hope is the desire arising from expectations for something to happen. This desire should be able to push an individual toward achieving the desired expectations. Hope should create a state of optimism in an individual’s mind on the bases of positive outcomes in personal circumstances and events.
Another idea in Delbanco’s book which I agree with is in the statement which opines that history is a ‘tidal rhythm’, in which ideas are dominant for a short period and then fade away giving way for new ideas. Throughout history, no ideas have been permanent, mainly due to the constant evolution of man people and social enlightenment. An excellent example that no ideas are permanent is in the technology world, at some point in history, trains using coal were efficient modes of transport, in the modern world, however, it is unimaginable how people during that time used coal-fueled trains; as they have been replaced by more efficient electric and diesel engine trains.
In conclusion, Although Delbanco’s book focused on American culture, America’s experience is applicable all over the globe. This is because; the cultures in almost all the societies and countries in the world base their hopes on God, the nation, and self, just like the Americans.