Life, Liberty And The Pursuit Of Happiness - 1900 Words

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These are the three rights granted to every American, however, this did not seem to apply to the poor during the Gilded Age. The poor lacked opportunities to climb the ladder of social class to escape poverty, and the wealth of America was so concentrated in an individual few that one man, J.P. Morgan, was able to end the Financial Panic of 1893, preventing an economic depression. The rich were getting richer and the poor were getting poorer. The disparity between the wealthy and those facing poverty was ever growing, which makes one question, what should be done, if anything at all? This was a major problem during the time and was the topic of many debates. Figures like William Graham Sumner,†¦show more content†¦He believes that the poor cannot be simply given things, for if a man is given fish, they are fed for a day, but if that man is taught how to fish, they will be fed for a lifetime. The only way for the poor to become prod uctive members of society is to provide them the chance to succeed. In Carnegie’s, Wealth, 1889, he shares a similar view with Sumner. Carnegie sees the rich as, â€Å"the trustee and agent for his poorer brethren, bringing to their service his superior wisdom, experience, and ability to administer, doing for them better than they would or could for themselves†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Carnegie, 54). Unlike Sumner, Carnegie believes that the ever widening gap between the rich and poor is a problem and that action should be taken. Carnegie views the poor as almost helpless, unable to provide for themselves and overcome poverty, but he also sees that not all are unable. There are those who are capable of prevailing against the odds and that it is the duty of the rich to help lead these people towards prosperity. However, like Sumner, Carnegie also believed that the poor cannot simply be given wealth for it is a waste. â€Å"Of every thousand dollars spent in so called charity to-day, it is probable that $950 is unwisely spent†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Carnegie, 55). He even goes on to say how it would be more beneficial for mankind ifShow MoreRelatedLife, Liberty And The Pursuit Of Happiness789 Words   |  4 Pagesshould declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We reaffirm today these truths to self-evident, that all people are created equal, that they are endowed by creation with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. - That these rights are secured by Governments instituted among Men and deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, - And when Government has become destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alterRead MoreLife, Liberty, The Pursuit Of Happiness1852 Words   |  8 Pages Life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness; this is one prime reasons why America is so great. Very few places can you go and get what America has to offer. ‘Of, relating to, or characteristic of the United States or its inhabitants†, this is the definition of ‘American’ according to Google. Why is this ‘relevant’, you might ask? Lets take a look back, Apollo 13 and Argo films showed just what its like to represent America, and embodied what the American dream is made of, and what it is like to comeRead MoreLife, Liberty, And The Pursuit Of Happiness902 Words   |  4 PagesAs a citizen of the United States, you are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This is a VIRTUE that everyone embarks on; however, what if you were told you were doing it wrong? Aristotle begins his STORY stating that â€Å"EVERY art and every inquiry, and similarly every action and pursuit, is thought to aim at some good; and for this reason the good has r ightly been declared to be that at which all things aim.† He goes on to say then, because these ends at which we aim are onlyRead MoreLife, Liberty And The Pursuit Of Happiness2397 Words   |  10 Pages Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. These are the three unalienable rights that, as per the Declaration of Independence, are granted to all humans and which governments exist to protect. The United States of America is a land of opportunity and success, the land of the free. It is in this country where these ideals are upheld and followed by every citizen. Everyone hopes for success and prosperity in life, and achieving these aspirations through hard work is what is known as the AmericanRead MoreEssay on Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness620 Words   |  3 Pagesthe â€Å"unalienable rights† of the American people. Among these are â€Å"Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.† Probably one of the most famous lines in American history, I have chosen to focus on this phrase and what those three things might have meant to Thomas Jefferson and the other Founding Fathers as they prepared this document, as well as what they mean to us today. First, Jefferson states that every man has the right to life. This is a pretty basic concept, but at the time the King wasRead MoreSecurity For Liberty : Freedom Of Life, Liberty And Pursuit Of Happiness1101 Words   |  5 PagesSecurity for Liberty For the sake of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, American citizens crumple up their own desires and follow laws such as the speed limit and paying taxes. These laws are given by the government, created by citizens to protect all residences. After all, one would give up a few priorities for the name of common good too, right? But there is a borderline between what an individual should and shouldn’t give up. For example, privacy rights. In most cases, people would claimRead MoreFalse Truths, Life, Liberty, And The Pursuit Of Happiness1538 Words   |  7 Pages False Truths Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The motto and the foundation of American democracy. If life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are the key to a long and stable governing power, then, would non-vitality, imprisonment, and censorship do the same? George Orwell’s, 1984, a bleak, yet compelling novel answers this question. In this dystopian version of 1984, asides from discos and neon leggings, Oceania, a mega-continentRead MoreThe American Dream, Life, Liberty, And The Pursuit Of Happiness915 Words   |  4 Pages The American Dream, â€Å"Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness,† is a reason why my parents migrated from Yemen to United States of America in the late 70’s and early 80’s. My father was a hard working citizen, who spent little time at home and iced his back and feet when he did; he endured strenuous work before retiring from the railroad. My mother had the difficult duty to raise a boy basketball team and two daughters . My parents have always taught us, that if you want something, you workRead MoreThe Declaration Of Independence : The Rights Of Life, Liberty, And The Pursuit Of Happiness854 Words   |  4 Pagesendowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.† Many groups of Americans such as African Americans, Native Americans, and women have been denied the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – which is why the phrase â€Å"all men are created equal† is a phrase that has been used loosely, as it was often contradicted throughout history. Liberty is the power to freely do and chose what one wants to do. As mentioned beforeRead MoreEveryone Has the Right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness876 Words   |  4 PagesRights laid out the liberties and rights of its citizens. We are allowed to speak badly about our government. We are able to protest when we feel we have been w ronged or we want something changed. We can bear firearms freely. We have the right against being detained without a speedy trial. We have the right not to self-incriminate ourselves. We have the to right to vote for our government leaders. Most or all of these rights we often take for granted. I would not know a life where I could not speak