James Truslow Adams
James Truslow Adams was an influential American writer and historian, renowned for his contributions to the understanding of American history. A freelance author, he played a pivotal role in popularizing contemporary scholarship, making complex historical narratives accessible to a broader audience. His most significant work, 'The Epic of America,' published in 1931, introduced the term 'American Dream,' encapsulating the aspirations and ideals that define the American experience. This phrase has since become a cornerstone of American cultural discourse, symbolizing the pursuit of opportunity and success. Adams's three-volume history of New England is also highly regarded among scholars, showcasing his meticulous research and engaging narrative style. His ability to weave together historical facts with compelling storytelling not only enriched the field of history but also inspired future generations of writers and historians. Adams's legacy endures through his influential concepts and works, which continue to shape discussions around American identity and values.
Famous Quotes
View all 3 quotes“There are obviously two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live. Surely these should never be confused in the mind of any man who has the slightest inkling of what culture is. For most of us it is essential that we should make a living...In the complications of modern life and with our increased accumulation of knowledge, it doubtless helps greatly to compress some years of experience into far fewer years by studying for a particular trade or profession in an institution; but that fact should not blind us to another—namely, that in so doing we are learning a trade or a profession, but are not getting a liberal education as human beings.”
“The American Dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is a difficult dream for the European upper classes to interpret adequately, and too many of us ourselves have grown weary and mistrustful of it. It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.”
“The great value of life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.”
Books from the author
