c) Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a 19th-century philosopher and writer, significantly influenced the concept of the American Dream with his emphasis on individual success and self-reliance. Emerson’s writings, which are central to American Transcendentalism, advocate for personal freedom, self-discovery, and the importance of individuality. His essays, such as “Self-Reliance” and “The American Scholar,” encourage the pursuit of personal fulfillment and the realization of one’s potential. Emerson’s ideas have deeply permeated American culture, shaping the national ethos and the value placed on personal achievement and independence.