Why Reports on the Death of the American Dream are Greatly Exaggerated

For all its multiple obituary notices, the American Dream is alive and kicking. That, at least, is the view of Matson Money CEO and founder, Mark Matson, author of Experiencing the American Dream. But you have to work for it, the Scottsdale, Arizona based Matson says, arguing that many Americans have lost agency over their own lives. Growing up in poverty in West Virginia, Matson built an $11.7 billion asset management firm by embracing his father's core principles: nobody owes you anything, provide value to others first, and view hard work as a core virtue. Matson rejects victim mentality and entitlement culture, even of his own kids (two of whom he fired from his company), insisting the dream remains accessible to anyone willing to serve others and create wealth through disciplined effort rather than expecting government or personal handouts.

1. Mindset Over Circumstances Success stems from how you think, not what you're born into. Matson argues that having the right mental framework—rejecting victimhood and embracing personal responsibility—matters more than your starting economic position.

2. Service Before Self-Interest The path to wealth is counterintuitive: focus on creating value for others first, rather than asking "what's in it for me." This service-oriented approach naturally leads to personal prosperity.

3. Work as Virtue, Not Just Means Hard work should be viewed as character-building and inherently valuable, not merely a tool to get rich. This perspective transforms how you approach challenges and opportunities.

4. Merit Over Everything Even family relationships must be subordinated to performance standards. Matson fired two of his own children from his company, demonstrating that nepotism undermines both business success and character development.

5. Media Creates False Narratives News outlets profit from fear and pessimism, leading to distorted perceptions of American opportunity. The statistical reality shows more social mobility and prosperity than headlines suggest.

Keen On America is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe