The Archbridge Institute conducts multidisciplinary academic and policy research on artificial and natural barriers to social mobility and human flourishing, seeking to drive a consensus on these factors in the academic and policy community.
Increasing opportunities for social mobility and human flourishing is the defining challenge of our time. Through rigorous academic research, sound public policy solutions, and reviving the spirit of entrepreneurship, the Archbridge Institute works to empower individuals to achieve better, richer, and fuller lives by identifying and removing the barriers that constrain their potential.
Our Latest Research
Commentary
Read our latest commentary on human flourishing and social mobility.
From the Archive
We are fortunate to live at a time when so many interesting people are able to produce so much valuable content. But that abundance also means we...
Reviewing An American Pickle
Between the pandemic and moving toward a contentious election, it’s easy to overlook the positive changes that are happening, especially if improvements are happening gradually. For instance,...
Leading Expert in Existential Psychology, Dr. Clay Routledge, Joins the Archbridge Institute as Senior...
The Archbridge Institute is excited to announce the addition of Dr. Clay Routledge as a Senior Research Fellow. Dr. Routledge is the Challey Professor of Management for...
Searching for Common Meaning in the Age of Polarization
“It is not between Red and Blue states; it is a battle about whether there is meaning outside of politics.”
American Originals
American Originals traces the stories of those who charted their own paths, overcame barriers and achieved a better life for themselves and those around them by embracing personal responsibility, hard work, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Walt Disney: Entrepreneur without Peer
Who was Walt Disney? What was truly different about this man, whose name is likely to remain famous for generations to come? How did he evolve? What were his priorities and thought processes?
Milton Hershey: Chocolate King, Confectioner, and Creator
Born in rural Pennsylvania in 1857, Milton Hershey attended seven different schools and never made it beyond the fourth grade. At fifteen, he found his passion in...
Workingman’s Friend, Industry Disruptor: The Walter Chrysler Story
The year 1921 was one of the worst years in the history of the American automobile business. Many companies folded in a brief but severe post-war recession...
Overcoming Barriers through Purpose and Entrepreneurship: Lessons from 21 Amazing American Originals
Over the last two-and-one-half years, we at the Archbridge Institute, in conjunction with the American Business History Center, have written and published twenty-one biographical articles on “American Originals.” These...
The Ultimate Rags to Riches Story: Mary Pickford
On February 11, 1898, John Charles Smith of Toronto hit
his head and died of a cerebral hemorrhage. The Irishman left behind his wife,
Charlotte; five-year-old daughter, Gladys; another...