Horatio Alger

During this weeks Blog task I came to the conclusion that it was going to be difficult to research Horatio Alger as he is not as well known as he maybe was 20 years after his death. This week I have decided to look at the Horatio Alger Association.

"The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles."

This quote is still related to the book and society in the 21st Century. Ragged Dick in the book has to work hard to get where he ends up. This would not be possible without determination and the aspiration to be a high achiever. In today's society this ideal is obviously still very huge part of American life. (This is also known as the "American Dream"). Again today without a hard work ethic and elbow grease you will not go very far. This is very much the same as Johnny Nolan.

International Horatio Alger Award
"The Horatio Alger Association annually presents the International Horatio Alger Award to a citizen of another country. As with the Horatio Alger Award, recipients of this award must have overcome humble beginnings and/or adversity to achieve success. They serve as outstanding role models to the international community and are committed to the Association's mission of encouraging and educating today's young people."

This award indicates that Alger's ideas of the "American Dream" also exist in countries all over the world. It still requires a the same sort of aspirations and the will to do well in life. Therefore countries all over the world do have "Americanized" ideals and aspire to achieve them. I have to stress that this association isn't to make you rich (Rags to Riches) but what was mentioned in this weeks lecture - Rages to Respectability. The awards on the website are just a stepping stone the right direction.

It is clear to see that Alger has not been totally forgotten and his theories are still very much a guide to a happy and fulfilling life.

http://www.horatioalger.com/index.cfm