American Values and Principles
American values deeply shape society, politics and culture in the United States.
1. Individual Freedom
- The supreme value in American society
- Right to make your own choices
- Distrust of government intervention
- Constitutional protection of liberties
2. Equality of Opportunity
- Everyone should have the same chance to succeed
- Meritocracy: hard work leads to success
- "American Dream": anyone can make it
- Social mobility valued
3. Individualism
- Personal responsibility
- Self-reliance (relying on yourself)
- The individual comes before the collective
- Success and failure are personal
4. Work and Success
- Hard work is valued
- Financial success is celebrated
- Entrepreneurship is admired
- Failure is not shameful (it's learning)
5. Optimism and Positivity
- "Can-do attitude": anything is possible
- Belief in progress
- Enthusiasm is valued
- Cynicism is frowned upon
6. Pragmatism
- What works > theory
- Practical approach to problems
- Results are valued
- Flexibility and adaptation
Differences with Europe
- USA: Individualism > Europe: Collectivism
- USA: Freedom > Europe: Equality/Solidarity
- USA: Limited state > Europe: Welfare state
- USA: Opportunity > Europe: Social protection
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