That good old
pioneer/pilgrim/pick-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps spirit is alive and well in
the United States, according to surveys by the Pew Research Center on optimism in different countries. The numbers show an upbeat outlook is what makes us unique among the world's wealthier nations, and it may even make us happier.
According to a survey of people from 44 different countries
last year, Americans are still super into individualism. As in, 57% disagreed with the statement, "Success in life is pretty much determined by
forces outside our control." That's compared to the 38% global
median. And, 73% rated working hard a 10 on a scale of one to 10 in importance
for getting ahead in life (as compared to 50% globally). It seems, then, that U.S. citizens believe factors such as geographic location, marital, or socioeconomic status don't matter as much as their own sheer determination.
What of the growing gap between rich and poor? Inequalities in our public education system? The torturous
struggle to find work-life balance? The crushing debt of recent college
graduates? Well, looks like the majority (or the majority of those surveyed, anyway) aren't letting all that get them down.
Everything is in our power, except when it's not, and today is a good day.