In the first part of this essay I will contemplate the historical development of the
concept of American individualism through the centuries, which created a contextual
background for the establishment of a self-made man idea in the minds of Americans. In
addition there will be given the biographical examples of self-made men that became a
pattern for all the successors in American history. Furthermore I would like to make an
overview of the various aspects of self-made man philosophy, which includes the
discussion of its positive and negative sides and its influences on personality and society
in general. Finally I will debate the ways of realisation of the self-made man idea
nowadays and weigh the existing perspectives in the individualistic and contradictory
world of now.
Table of Contents
- 1 INTRODUCTION
- 2 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
- 2.1 Characteristics of American Individualism
- 2.2 Individualism bred by Puritanism
- 3 SELF-MADE MEN OF AMERICA
- 3.1 Benjamin Franklin
- 3.2 Abraham Lincoln
- 3.3 Andrew Carnegie
- 4 SOCIAL DARWINISM AND THE GILDED AGE
- 4.1 Individualism as Expression of Social Darwinism
- 4.2 Mythic Individualism
- 5 PROGRESSIVISM
- 5.1 Individualism in Times of Progressivism
- 5.2 Great Depression
- 5.3 Henry Ford
- 6 PARADOXES OF INDIVIDUALISM
- 6.1 Middle Class Conformity
- 6.2 Altruism hidden in Individualism
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to explore the concept of the "self-made man" within the context of the American Dream, examining its historical development and evolution through different eras of American history. It investigates the interplay between individualism and societal structures, analyzing how the ideal of self-reliance has been both celebrated and challenged.
- The historical development of American individualism and its connection to the self-made man ideal.
- Biographical examples of self-made men and their impact on American culture.
- The tension between individual ambition and societal expectations.
- The evolution of individualism in America, from economic focus to expressive individualism.
- The paradoxes inherent in the self-made man ideal.
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central theme of the essay: the concept of the "self-made man" and its relationship to the American Dream. It defines the self-made man as someone who achieves success despite humble beginnings, emphasizing the role of hard work, perseverance, and individual initiative. The chapter highlights the significance of the American Dream's promise of equal opportunity, contrasting it with the hereditary social structures of pre-industrial Europe. It introduces Frederick Douglass as an exemplary self-made man and uses his words to illustrate the inherent heroism and inspirational power of overcoming adversity through personal effort. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the connection between the self-made man ideal and the broader concept of individualism in America, suggesting that individual attitudes and lifestyles reflect this underlying principle.
2 Historical Background: This chapter delves into the historical roots of American individualism, providing a foundation for understanding the rise of the self-made man concept. It explores the characteristics of American individualism as a free and unfettered expression of the self across political, cultural, and economic spheres. While the provided text only offers a glimpse into this section, a full chapter would likely expand on the influence of factors like Puritanism and other historical events shaping this unique American ethos, providing a rich historical context for the later discussion of self-made men.
3 Self-Made Men of America: This chapter will provide biographical examples of prominent self-made men in American history, serving as case studies to illuminate the characteristics and impact of this ideal. The mention of Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, and Andrew Carnegie indicates a focus on individuals from diverse backgrounds who achieved remarkable success through their own efforts, demonstrating the power of determination and individual agency. These examples likely showcase the different paths to success, highlighting the various challenges overcome and the varying contributions to society.
4 Social Darwinism and the Gilded Age: This chapter likely analyzes the influence of Social Darwinism and the Gilded Age on the perception and interpretation of the self-made man. It will probably explore how the ideology of Social Darwinism, with its emphasis on survival of the fittest, reinforced the notion of individual achievement and meritocracy, potentially linking it to the celebration of wealth accumulation and the rise of industrial tycoons. The chapter will likely contrast the mythic ideal of the self-made man with the realities of economic inequality and the limitations faced by many during this period.
5 Progressivism: This chapter will examine how the self-made man ideal was viewed and interpreted during the Progressive Era and the Great Depression. It is likely to analyze how the focus shifted within the context of societal reforms and economic upheavals. The inclusion of Henry Ford suggests an examination of the role of industrial innovations and the impact of mass production on both individual success and the broader socio-economic landscape. This section might also highlight the changing attitudes towards individualism, possibly showing how it was both championed and critiqued in light of the social and economic changes of the era.
6 Paradoxes of Individualism: This chapter will likely explore the inherent contradictions and complexities within the self-made man ideal. The subheadings "Middle Class Conformity" and "Altruism hidden in Individualism" point towards a discussion of the tensions between the pursuit of individual success and the pressures of conformity, as well as the potential for seemingly self-serving pursuits to result in altruistic outcomes or societal benefits. The chapter will probably address the nuances of individualism in practice, acknowledging both its positive and negative implications.
Keywords
Self-made man, American Dream, individualism, American history, economic individualism, expressive individualism, social Darwinism, Gilded Age, Progressivism, Great Depression, success, achievement, social mobility, conformity, altruism.
FAQ: A Comprehensive Language Preview of American Individualism and the Self-Made Man
What is the main topic of this text?
The text explores the concept of the "self-made man" within the context of the American Dream, examining its historical development and evolution throughout American history. It analyzes the interplay between individualism and societal structures, and how the ideal of self-reliance has been both celebrated and challenged.
What are the key themes covered in this text?
Key themes include the historical development of American individualism and its connection to the self-made man ideal; biographical examples of self-made men and their impact; the tension between individual ambition and societal expectations; the evolution of individualism in America, from economic focus to expressive individualism; and the paradoxes inherent in the self-made man ideal.
What historical periods are examined in the text?
The text examines various historical periods, including the historical background of American individualism, the impact of Puritanism, the Gilded Age, the Progressive Era, and the Great Depression.
Which historical figures are discussed as examples of "self-made men"?
The text uses Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, and Andrew Carnegie as examples of self-made men, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and paths to success.
How does the text address the concept of Social Darwinism?
The text analyzes the influence of Social Darwinism during the Gilded Age, exploring how this ideology reinforced the notion of individual achievement and meritocracy, and its connection to the celebration of wealth accumulation.
What are the paradoxes of individualism discussed in the text?
The text explores the tensions between the pursuit of individual success and the pressures of conformity, as well as the potential for seemingly self-serving pursuits to result in altruistic outcomes or societal benefits. It addresses the nuances of individualism in practice, acknowledging both its positive and negative implications.
What is the structure of the text?
The text is structured with an introduction, chapters detailing the historical background, prominent self-made men, the influence of Social Darwinism and the Gilded Age, Progressivism, and finally, the paradoxes of individualism. It also includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What is the intended audience of this text?
The text is intended for academic use, supporting the analysis of themes in a structured and professional manner.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include: Self-made man, American Dream, individualism, American history, economic individualism, expressive individualism, social Darwinism, Gilded Age, Progressivism, Great Depression, success, achievement, social mobility, conformity, altruism.
Where can I find more information on this topic?
The provided text serves as a preview, offering a comprehensive overview. Further research into each specific chapter topic and historical figure would provide more detailed information. Academic databases and historical texts would offer expanded resources.
- Citar trabajo
- Diplom-Sozialwissenschaftlerin Kira Kogan (Autor), 2010, The Self-Made Man: Myth and Reality of an American Phenomenon, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/231210
