A decline in national pride. “Doomerism” within Gen Z. The death of American exceptionalism.
Wherever you look, it is easy to find a pessimistic perspective about the future of America. But the American spirit is still very much alive.
Despite growing political polarization and isolationist rhetoric, the latest research reveals that Americans haven’t lost faith in their nation as a force for good in the world. This widespread belief offers a foundation that can unite Americans in continuing to be a driver of human progress. (Yes, it is still possible.)
The Human Flourishing Lab’s most recent Progress Pulse survey, conducted in partnership with The Harris Poll among a nationally representative sample of over 2,000 U.S. adults, reveals that most Americans share positive views about their nation’s contributions to human advancement. Three-quarters or more of respondents agree that America’s global leadership (75%), cultural emphasis on optimism and possibility (76%), and business achievements (78%) have been crucial for advancing positive change around the world. Moreover, 84% believe American scientific research has been essential for global progress.
Critically, this isn’t merely a backward-looking sentiment about past accomplishments. Nostalgia is a key driver of positive, forward-looking sentiments too. Nearly eight in 10 Americans (79%) agree that, going forward, their nation’s contributions will remain vital for positive change around the world.
Even more encouraging is the consistency of such beliefs across demographic groups. Every subgroup we measured shows majority belief in America’s beneficial global impact. We are not as divided along racial or gender lines as “experts” often claim.
Continue reading at Real Clear Politics.
Clay Routledge, PhD, is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Archbridge Institute, where he also leads the institute’s Human Flourishing Lab. As a thought leader in existential psychology and human motivation, Clay translates research into practical insights that help people reach their full potential, build meaningful lives, and advance human progress and flourishing. Dr. Routledge received his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is co-editor of Profectus Magazine, an online publication dedicated to human progress and flourishing. He writes the weekly newsletter "Flourishing Friday."
Psychology of Flourishing
A decline in national pride. “Doomerism” within Gen Z. The death of American exceptionalism.
Wherever you look, it is easy to find a pessimistic perspective about the future of America. But the American spirit is still very much alive.
Despite growing political polarization and isolationist rhetoric, the latest research reveals that Americans haven’t lost faith in their nation as a force for good in the world. This widespread belief offers a foundation that can unite Americans in continuing to be a driver of human progress. (Yes, it is still possible.)
The Human Flourishing Lab’s most recent Progress Pulse survey, conducted in partnership with The Harris Poll among a nationally representative sample of over 2,000 U.S. adults, reveals that most Americans share positive views about their nation’s contributions to human advancement. Three-quarters or more of respondents agree that America’s global leadership (75%), cultural emphasis on optimism and possibility (76%), and business achievements (78%) have been crucial for advancing positive change around the world. Moreover, 84% believe American scientific research has been essential for global progress.
Critically, this isn’t merely a backward-looking sentiment about past accomplishments. Nostalgia is a key driver of positive, forward-looking sentiments too. Nearly eight in 10 Americans (79%) agree that, going forward, their nation’s contributions will remain vital for positive change around the world.
Even more encouraging is the consistency of such beliefs across demographic groups. Every subgroup we measured shows majority belief in America’s beneficial global impact. We are not as divided along racial or gender lines as “experts” often claim.
Continue reading at Real Clear Politics.
Clay Routledge
Clay Routledge, PhD, is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Archbridge Institute, where he also leads the institute’s Human Flourishing Lab. As a thought leader in existential psychology and human motivation, Clay translates research into practical insights that help people reach their full potential, build meaningful lives, and advance human progress and flourishing. Dr. Routledge received his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is co-editor of Profectus Magazine, an online publication dedicated to human progress and flourishing. He writes the weekly newsletter "Flourishing Friday."
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