The American Dream

We have all heard of the famous John Smith. But, surprisingly there are contrasting opinions of his reputation. Depending on who you ask, Smith could either be a hero or a villain.


According to Leo Lemay’s novel The American Dream of Captain John Smith, Smith was a “social visionary who founded the American belief in the common man” and the “greatest single founder of the English colonies in America.” Both of these powerful statements directly refute the long-standing criticism of Smith as an arrogant braggart, individually responsible for the mistreatment and murder of American Indians. Although it is impossible to know the real nature of John Smith since we were not alive at the time, we must analyze the written works, both left by Smith and about Smith, in order to formulate our own conclusions concerning his personality.


Although the titles of Smith’s written works seem to be basic descriptions of Virginia and New England, he actually had deeper intentions. In the excerpt from “The General History of Virginia, New England and the Summer Isles,” Smith describes, at length, the difficulties the English encountered in the New World. Smith notes, “The fault of our going was our own.” Initially it appears as if he is accepting blame. He then continues, “We were all ignorant and supposing to make our passage in two months…by the unskillful presumption of our ignorant transporters that understood not at all what they undertook.” Smith is now shifting the blame to others in order to promote himself as a more capable leader and explorer than the previous captains. Although this may seem cocky and self-centered, it’s important to remember that a small ounce of arrogance, pride and idealism is necessary in order to succeed at bold adventures, such as establishing a new colony in an unknown territory.


As noted in Leo Lemay’s novel mentioned above, Smith has, and should be, praised for his energy and initiative in persuading his fellow English citizens to settle in the New World. By promising a life of plenty through hard work and commitment, John Smith can be credited with the founding of the “American Dream.” Through his skillful rhetoric and persevering leadership, Smith appealed to English desires to start a new life, gain social respectability and attain prosperity. “Our pleasure here is still gains; in England, charges and loss. Here nature and liberty afford us that freely, which in England we want, or it costs us dearly,” Smith eloquently states. The British had the choice of barely surviving by remaining in England, or experiencing the fulfillment of making a better and more prosperous life in New England.


By seeking out English citizens who existed on the fringes of society, such as the merchants, prisoners and indentured servants, Smith was able to recruit a hard-working and diligent group of people. This alone might have been the key to his future success. Thanks to John Smith, Americans today still survive off that same hope and dream of accomplishing one’s goals, no matter how high or far away they may seem.