America Quote by Martin Scorsese
“When I was growing up, I don't remember being told that America was created so that everyone could get rich. I remember being told it was about opportunity and the pursuit of happiness. Not happiness itself, but the pursuit.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Rolling Stone, 2015
America promises opportunity and the pursuit of happiness, not guaranteed wealth; the focus is on striving, not assured success.
In simple terms: America is about striving for happiness.
Key Takeaway
Focus on purposeful pursuit.
Themes
American Dream
opportunity
pursuit of happiness
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
sociopolitical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career planning
- entrepreneurship
- public policy debates
Key Concepts
economic mobility
social ideals
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “pursuit of happiness” mean to you?
- How can society ensure true opportunity?
A Different Perspective
The promise can mask systemic inequality and unmet expectations.
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
