Success has always been the goal in American society, and it is commonly measured by intelligence or income. This mindset has been around since the birth of our nation, but why is this our ultimate goal? Americans seem to forget the process of becoming successful and only focus on the result. Various American literature supports Dr. Allan’s idea that true value and success are based on growth, not accolade. Dr. Allan’s thoughts on the growth mindset are evident within American nonfiction. Dr. Allan uses Michael Jordan as the focus of his article and talks about his journey to his current success. Allan believes that success can only come from the work that you put into it, and he calls this the growth mindset. Emerson also shares the same…show more content… Allan’s growth mindset is also present in major American works, such as Walden, Of Mice and Men, and The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin Franklin and Henry David Thoreau both had the same goal of bettering themselves by living simply. Benjamin Franklin called this “arriving at moral perfection,” and he seeked to tell his grandkids how to become successful. Franklin knew that his “endeavor at improvement” would be a challenge, but he still attempted at it. Franklin also says, “whoever attempts this aright...cannot fail of pleasing God and of meeting with success.” He believes that the effort put into trying to better oneself is enough to become successful. Thoreau’s goal was to “live free and uncommitted.” Thoreau felt that people should be able to learn things how they wanted to and to discover things for themselves. He believed that people should be self reliant, and work hard for themselves. The wood-chopper, a guest of Thoreau’s, is described as someone hardworking, yet humble. He is “so happy withal,” and satisfied with what he does (Thoreau) . In his eyes, he is successful. In Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, George and Lennie have a goal of owning their own farm, but they never succeed. George and Lennie were always caught up in what they could have and never focused on how they will get there. Lennie was a big dreamer, but did not seem to understand the process of making his dreams happen. George and Lennie are symbols of typical Americans who only see the end