Decoding Common Lies: The American Dream

The “American Dream” has long been preached that if you work hard, stay determined, that success will follow. We’ve been told that anyone, regardless of background, can rise to the top through sheer effort alone. But reality tells a different story. This lie not only ignores systemic inequalities but also contradicts the very laws of nature herself.

While some people do manage to achieve financial success, many people find themselves trapped in a system that favors the privileged. The truth is, the American Dream is not designed for everyone—and nature itself proves why.

The Illusion of Equal Opportunity

Nature operates on balance, cause and effect, and adaptation. The American Dream, however, is built on the false premise that everyone starts on equal footing, ignoring natural hierarchies and advantages.

1. Survival of the Fittest—But Not the Strongest

In nature, survival isn’t about who works the hardest; it’s about who adapts best to their environment. Like a lion doesn’t become king by grinding 12-hour days—it thrives because of inherited strength, social structures, and an ecosystem that supports its dominance. Likewise, in America, success is often determined by birth circumstances, generational wealth, and connections—not just effort. That’s why people often say, “it’s not what you know, it’s about who you know”.

Those who are born into wealth have a massive advantage. They inherit resources, connections, and education that help them stay on top. Meanwhile, those born into poverty face barriers that make upward mobility nearly impossible. Just like in nature, certain groups control resources, ensuring their dominance for generations.

2. Nature Thrives on Diversity—But the System Promotes Uniformity

Nature thrives on biodiversity. Different species and individuals play unique roles in an ecosystem, creating balance. The American Dream, however, pushes a one-size-fits-all path: go to school, get a job, buy a house, retire. This bull crap formula ignores the natural strengths and differences among people.

In reality, not everyone is meant to follow the same path. Some are better suited for creative work, others for hands-on labor, while some thrive as entrepreneurs. Yet the system penalizes those who don’t conform. Nature rewards adaptability, but society discourages it.

3. Unlimited Growth is Unnatural

The American Dream encourages—bigger houses, better jobs, endless consumption. But nature operates on cycles. Nothing grows forever. Trees reach a certain height, ecosystems self-regulate, and animals instinctively know when to rest.

In contrast, the U.S. economy demands endless expansion. This leads to overwork, burnout, and financial crashes. The idea that everyone must endlessly climb the ladder of success contradicts the very way nature sustains itself.

4. The Weak Are Exploited, Not Helped

In nature, predators target the weak, ensuring the survival of the strongest genes. In American capitalism, the wealthy and powerful prey on the poor through low wages, high-interest debt, and a rigged financial system.

• Student loans keep the young in debt.
• Healthcare is unaffordable for many.
• Wages don’t keep up with inflation.

The idea that anyone can succeed ignores the reality that many are actually systematically kept in survival mode, preventing people from ever thriving.

Can the American Dream Be Saved?

If the American Dream is to work for everyone, it must align with the principles of nature:

• Encourage adaptability, not uniformity. Success shouldn’t have a single definition.
• Emphasize balance over endless growth. A healthy society, like a healthy ecosystem, must know when to pause and regenerate.
• Support cooperation, not just competition. In nature, even predators maintain balance—they don’t hoard all the resources.

Final Thoughts

The American Dream, as it’s currently sold, is an illusion that contradicts both nature and reality. Hard work alone does not guarantee success. The real lesson from nature is that survival and prosperity come from balance, adaptation, and cooperation—not a rigged race to the top.

It’s time to rethink the dream.