The Radical Life

Living in a first world country, it’s easy to conform to the idea of the American dream. The American dream is the idea that whoever works hard will always succeed. This idea is manifested in Death of a Salesman and is Willy’s life goal. However, we see that both Biff and Happy are unhappy with how their lives are going. Biff has given up on his dreams to become a football player as well as following his father’s footsteps. Yes, Biff has made some mistakes (at the guidance of his father), but at the end he tried to worked hard for a loan...and failed.

Much of the world views the American dream as something that is worthy and noble cause to pursue. Despite that, I believe that the American dream is actually very far from the truth. Our society was designed to try to reward those who work hard with what they worked for. However, that does not guarantee anything. There are plenty of people who don’t get what they deserve (good or bad) and there are plenty of people who get what they don’t deserve (good or bad). Is there a pattern to who gets what? I don’t believe so. I believe that the ideal of an American dream does not and will not truly exist. Does that mean that we are working in vain when we pursue. Well, actually I believe so, but that is from my view of a Christian. I believe that there is a better way to live than following the American dream. As a Christian, it simply means dedicating my life to God (simple doesn’t mean easy). That encompasses taking on suffering, sacrificing things I could have, and more but knowing that my reward is much greater than my sacrifice.

Although I don’t believe in the American dream, I don’t think that being lazy is the best way of life. I still think that there is a good reason to work hard in life, but the difference is the motive that drives me to work hard. Recently, I read a book called Radical by David Platt who talks about a motive from a Biblical standpoint. (Learn more about Radical) I recommend this if you want to learn more about this radical, challenging viewpoint.

Some Christian perspective on how people don't get what they deserve:

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/when-people-dont-get-what-they-deserve