American dream, why do so many think they;ll achieve it

[Andrew_Writer]

Why is it 35 percent of the populace thinks that the are, or someday will be, in the top 1 percent in income ?

[RKP5637]

1. Brain washed and part of the American Delusion! n/t

[sadbear]

2. You gotta have something to live for when your life sucks so badly

[Joe Shlabotnik]

3. Too many people conflate self worth with their net worth.

For many, the dream and pursuit of wealth, and more 'stuff', justifies their personal bankruptcy. It also eases the pain of realizing that their very existence, and their labor is simply being exploited. IMO.

[provis99]

4. David Brooks explains it best.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/12/opinion/the-triumph-of-hope-over-self-interest.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm

False hope is the most American of all feelings.