Classic Stossel: The Pursuit of Happiness

It’s written right into our founding document, we're entitled to the pursuit of happiness. And that's what all our other rights add up to--we can seek to write the script of our own life, in our own way.
In other countries, how you're born is often how you end up. Here, there are no guarantees we'll get what we want, but at least we get to try.
A Classic Stossel from 2010.

[@daemon.running]

Man, if 2010 people could see 2023...

[@Cyrus992]

The economy was worse

[@Dr.W.Krueger]

@@Cyrus992 That is your only argument? Look at the world around you, especially you people in America and the remaining "free world". Is this our legacy?

[@Cyrus992]

Also neighbors were not as social as they are now@@Dr.W.Krueger

[@jamesmcd71]

This is why I'm in love with the USA. I grew up poor and was homeless, living on the street by my 13th birthday. I choose to take control of my life. By 19, I bought a rundown that would call an unsafe house for 20k . 2 years later, I sold it for 65k. I took that 40k and bought another run-down house and sold it a year later. This is the only country where anyone can become financially successful with nothing more than a lot of hard work. My story isn't unusual in the US. It happens every day from coast to coast. Regular people finding ways to lift themselves to a more comfortable way of life.

[@dehydratedwater9806]

Good on you!

[@charlesbosse9669]

Good work!!

[@jacobawojtowicz]

Former homeless teenager here, not only am I financially stable 15 years later, im also more educated, more motivated. I had all the time in the world to sit around and do drugs back then but no time to exercise or read or anything. I also had time to complain about minimum wage. Amazing what changes when you take responsibility for your own life.

[@henripan9584]

This happens all over the world and not just the US. Hong Kong's Li Ka Shing started his own company after working 16 hours in a plastic trading company. Hong Kong had one time more billionaires per square meter than anywhere in the world. Mukesh Ambani of India lived in a modest house from a family that sold spices and now he is the richest man in Asia. China's Ali Baba founder was an English teacher before he became a billlionaire. Spain's ZARA founder Amancio Ortega Gaona was the son of a railroad worker and sewed clothes for a living before becoming super rich. The success of rags to riches has been there since the dawn of time in every country on the planet. More millionaires are being minted in India today than anywhere else in the world. It is not that their is no social mobility in the US. It is how much social mobility is in the US. Stop drinking that kool aid and stop selling us that nonsense too.

[@srdjan455]

What the fuck makes you think you couldn't do the same damn thing in Europe, Canada, Asian or Australia? How the hell did you even get enough money to buy a home at the age of 19th while homeless?

[@nPcDrone]

Manhattan was alive in 2010. Now look at it.

[@drjdvm]

The PURSUIT of Happiness, NOT the GUARANTEE of Happiness, is what the Declaration of Independence states (thank you Dough Adams). The difference is what is so well explained here. Thanks John

[@dougadams9419]

That is the Declaration of Independence, NOT the Constitution. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

[@drjdvm]

@@dougadams9419 Oops. My error in writing this response too quickly. Thank you for correcting me. I will edit my comment.

[@marlonmoncrieffe0728]

Yeah, I always tell critics that we are entitled to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness but NOT comfort, convenience, or, now, the guarantee of happiness.

[@Macsrus5]

Nice to see someone not lashing out and getting offended ❤️❤️❤️

[@abradolflincler726]

Well, to start, you need to put in the effort.

[@steveb9226]

Dinesh is an example of proper immigration policy.

[@thomasjoseph5876]

He is a shining example of what ANY American can do if they apply themselves and work hard toward their goal. Sometimes along the line, you might get sidetracked and end up pursuing another avenue that turns out to be even better than your original goal. The great thing about America is if you don't like your life, you can up and move and "re-invent" yourself over and over again. The opportunities are endless. There are many who would like to control us and control and/or limit our opportunities based on our skin color, race, religion, gender, etc. They are truly the evil ones and they are rising in power every day. They hide behind the story of wanting to make things equitable for all when in fact, they are limiting many for others to be "equal". They are today's Fascist Progressive Woke Left.

[@joaopedrobaggio4475]

He is more patriot than most people born in the USA.

[@jacobawojtowicz]

He was here for 20 years before becoming a citizen. Hell, he was a policy advisor to Reagan before he was a citizen. Former Reaganers, Now Trumpers would lose their mind if they knew

[@toddhansell2172]

I'm 50 with a smile and a wet eye from this video. Thanks John.

[@anhhoangphan6171]

I had been studying in the US for 5 years since my college high school in OR and then right into college in PA. From Vietnam, I must say always that America has always been my 2nd home. Now that I have gone back to Vietnam, many people ask me how do I feel about America. It was such a bless that I did not attend universities or colleges in big cities, but rather a small city (City of Williamsport, PA). Gosh, people were so friendly and helpful. My international advisor in my college always welcomed us (international students) to Thanksgiving, Christmas. I have some minor incidents of discrimination. Yet on the contrary, I have met so many wonderful people. Would not trade anything for my time being in the US. And of course, such a land of the free. God bless America.

[@TheHamburgler123]

What part of Vietnam are you from? I spent two months traveling around the country and absolutely loved it. The Vietnamese are very hardworking and entrepreneurial people -- respect!

[@anhhoangphan6171]

I am from Hanoi, the capital city. Thank you from your nice words. Where are you come from? And where did you go in Vietnam?

[@MrHouseparty6]

Merry Christmas!

[@digimediadude786]

Thanks for the reminder of what makes America great! 👍 🇺🇸

[@davidharper8500]

Canadian saying, like it or not, they’re still the best country in the world 🇺🇸

[@joaopedrobaggio4475]

Nowadays América is just a Banana Republic.

[@tmdrake]

was.

[@GabrielWJensen]

@joaopedrobaggio4475 I like bananas, and bananas are still pretty cheap at the grocery store, so that's ok

[@northernlightsrenovations1710]

Enjoy it while you can.... we are heading over the cliff like lemmings.

[@melissahouse3488]

❤️🇺🇲❤️ LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! 👏🏻🙋🏼‍♀️ My favorite John Stossel report & considering I've been a lifeslong fan since 20/20, is saying a whole lot!!! He's by far my favorite journalist and one of the only ones i watch anymore. I'm so happy he's still at it & i am grateful i clicked on this, i needed something uplifting this morning 🙏🏻☺️ I coincidentally ended up in consumer protection and i more recently became a libertarian. It just occured to me as i was about to post this comment, that John Stossel worked to report on consumer scams and he too is a libertarian. Maybe he was more an inspiration than i ever realized.

[@hobsdigree2]

I've seen people think it's weird to be so patriotic like Americans. The truth is, it's about being humble and thankful that we live here during this point in time. Sure, there are other good places too, but there are also bad places too. We're very lucky to live here in this day and age, and it wouldn't be possible without the sacrifices of so many that came before us.

[@user-iw4gc9vt9p]

God Bless 🇺🇸 We , 🇯🇵, greatly appreciate for giving us democracy, freedom, capitalism, and peace!!! Peace and Love from 🇯🇵

[@johnhill9583]

This should be required viewing! America is great and this video tells us why.

[@CPez]

This is as Great of a 5 minute video for America as exists in the World. Top TOP job. Individualism & Capitalism.

[@harri211]

Hard to believe how far we've fallen in 13 years since this feature. Where will we be 13 years from now?

[@blessedwithchallenges9917]

I've been in 46 countries and lived 12yrs outside the States. There are many beautiful places around the world. I've also seen multiple millions barely existing with little to no options, and no recourse if taken advantage of. I don't like our current economy, but we still have options, choices, dreams that are attainable if we work diligently.

[@elliottpeabody1287]

@blessedwithchallenges9917 -- Will you vote for Biden again?

[@blessedwithchallenges9917]

@@elliottpeabody1287 i would never vote for Biden.

[@leapnlarry]

This almost made me cry at the end, we are very fortunate to live in America. Larry

[@vitodelorto1796]

In a bad, bad time, this is an uplifting video that is also still true🇺🇲

[@Dat_Sun]

It was democratic propaganda

[@michaelhutchings6602]

@@Dat_SunHave you ever spoken to an immigrant?

[@vitodelorto1796]

@@michaelhutchings6602 most of my grandparents came here from Italy. I spoke to them, a lot.

[@Dat_Sun]

@@michaelhutchings6602 Illegal?

[@Dat_Sun]

@@vitodelorto1796 Assuming they came lawfully?

[@paulcgretired6245]

Great Video on Our Legacy of Freedom John. I can, and I am sure you can see these Freedoms starting to erode.

[@Dat_Sun]

We enforce traffic laws, but not immigration laws.

[@michaelhutchings6602]

Good.

[@friedenhiker1032]

You would do well to learn natural law, but start with right to travel.

[@Dat_Sun]

@@friedenhiker1032 I already surrendered my license. I practice right to travel, even though it's not easy. Yes, been towed, jailed and fined before. Never broke a traffic law though.

[@DZ302-Z28]

And trespassing laws except when you are crossing the border or squatting

[@GabrielWJensen]

One of the things I love about the United States is that there are so many different cultures, climates, political leaning states to choose from and still be in the US.

[@charlesbosse9669]

I agree with you

[@michaellee7841]

America is land of opportunity and freedom. If you put in the effort, you will reap the rewards of your effort. Immigrants from other countries understand how lucky you are to live in United States. I know because I am an immigrant and I feel like I’m more patriotic than a lot of people who were born. I am so grateful to be where I am at today.

[@tpoz48]

It's the American Dream. Sadly, there are those who want to destroy it.

[@michaeldwyer9656]

I am a 65 year old native-born American. I have witnessed an ever-increasing number of irritable, angry, wacko, "hate America" individuals, and indeed whole organizations (e.g., BLM). Travel is a great teacher. I recommend it to all.

[@scottjohnson7780]

And many of them are in the U.S. congress.

[@majermike]

the american dream is great unless you're in guantanamo or a secret CIA floating torture chamber. oh, and don't try to speak out against it or you'll end up in a maximum security prison like julian assange.

[@Robinhood179]

Sadly that America is nearly gone.

[@Damcpaddy]

I came to America 25 years ago leaving behind a degree that I needed 1 more semester to complete. Best decision I ever made. It has its warts but is glorious despite them.

[@oddballschtuff]

I’ve risked my life many times for this country, and its people, and its ideals. I love this land, and it’s people. I would do it again if needed.

[@danielbrazell]

Crazy how much thinner everyone was back then, and how few of them dyed their hair. It looks like a foreign country compared to America today

[@melissahouse3488]

Not covered in tattoos & these awful piercings either, looking like they just crawled out of a prison cell!!!

[@josealexi5141]

Classic? No need for a label, *LOOK HOW YOUNG JOHN LOOKS!*

[@samhouston5217]

And look how young Dinesh looks too!

[@EthanLaird]

Yeah, now he looks like a melted doll with his terrible plastic surgery

[@melinhouston]

This is from the 2000's...he's not that young

[@daveblakney9674]

Amen to that. Born in Canada, to an American Mother. My parents worked hard to move here, we didn’t just drive across the border… Love this amazing country, and every opportunity I have had because I live in the land of the Free!

[@richarde3378]

🇺🇸 God Bless the U.S.A. 🇺🇸

[@whysosyria11]

America is great. Just not Biden’s America.

[@michaelhutchings6602]

If your life hasn’t improved because of whose president it your own fault.

[@Jake-Drake]

@@michaelhutchings6602 @ dreams did not say that his/her life hasn’t improved; he/she only commented on America. Big difference.

[@whysosyria11]

@@michaelhutchings6602 Sorry thought you were someone else

[@michaelhutchings6602]

@@Jake-DrakeTrue. Biden is harshly anti immigrant, anti free trade, and a moral coward.

[@douglasjones8539]

​@michaelhutchings6602 liberalism is destroying and weakening our country. Liberals can't identify what a woman is or should I say a birthing person.

[@stephenmatey927]

“We have given you a republic, if you can keep it" - Benjamin Franklin

[@melissahouse3488]

My favorite historical figure, brilliant ❤️🇺🇲❤️

[@goldfishi5776]

Good morning John. 🎂

[@gailandrus7667]

There's a big difference between coming here to make a living doing whatever you want, TO coming here and trying to change America to what you think it should be! Coming here to sponge off of others doesn't cut it either!!!

[@pridefall3304]

I wanna go back to the late 90s early 00s :/

[@redpillsatori3020]

Yeah too bad this video hasn't aged well. Concepts I agree with, but America (and a lot of the world) nowadays just isn't like what's portrayed in this video.

[@melissahouse3488]

​@@redpillsatori3020 I couldn't disagree more. The timing couldn't have been better!!! These values, principles & sentiments haven't changed. You have, or you sound bitter & critical. May want to look at yourself for starters.

[@melissahouse3488]

The 80's was the time of my life!!! 🥳✨

[@DuncanWilliamsOFFICIAL]

This video inspires me, I love America!!

[@Outofbox11]

we need to go back to that.

[@toddhansell2172]

Dude, John, first off, Merry Christmas! THIS IS YOUR BEST EVER! in my library. SHOUT THIS ACROSS THE WORLD EVERYONE!, PLEASE!

[@ericstockley]

Hey, thanks for the reminder of what makes USA great.

[@stevenw5013]

This is really beautiful

[@my.names.robb.with.two.bs1]

America. It is what you make it to be. Make it a good one, kids.

[@melissajon2011]

Great video. It is a marvelous perspective lens.

[@tahitianflower]

First Positive American video I've seen in years.

[@marksinger6537]

I am not American but I am very patriotic about America It is the greatest country in the world I have a dollar bill in my wallet and I think it is one of my best possessions Yes America has problems and issues and things I do not like but by and large America is truly great Please Americans watching do not forget that and take America for granted God bless and merry Christmas

[@whysosyria11]

I feel like NYC is its own country.

[@nPcDrone]

It used to be now it is a cess pool. I have seen the changes.

[@Dat_Sun]

But it's not, ny is part of the union.

[@MrTrailerman2]

California is its own country.

[@Dat_Sun]

@@MrTrailerman2 It's not, it's also one of the United States of America

[@bruscifer]

LAND OF THE FREE HOME OF THE BRAVE!

[@snappertrx]

God bless America!

[@johntomaszewski9602]

THANK YOU!!!!!

[@SAM-dm5qg]

Thank You For Sharing 🇺🇸

[@AdamantineAxe]

Everything that shine ain't always gonna be gold,

[@thomashauguel6811]

Thank you, John, for putting a much needed smile on my face this morning. 😊

[@rickpitts2277]

13 years after it was filmed and it is still true. Millions still come here from all over the globe in search of that Dream of Happiness and still find it in the USA.

[@stevexnycautomotive]

I like Meca and mechanic. They love the circus life. Just like the Roman Coliseum entertain them.

[@michaeldwyer9656]

Merry Christmas to you too!

[@ericbodin5909]

America, THE GREATEST COUNTRY ON EARTH. If you don't like it, you can leave it.

[@melissahouse3488]

Yes they need to leave, rather than trying to destroy it from within.

[@alanm.4298]

It is encouraging to be reminded of what made this country great in the past... and hopefully will all be true again in the future. Right now? Not so much. But the pendulum swings.

[@candykid5135]

god bless the land of free people 🗽

[@diamondaranda336]

Dinesh D'Souza is a great American story. He's been through the full experience.

[@Columbus1152]

Thank you John for the beautiful contrast between legal immigrants who endure the process of gaining their citizenship and appreciating the opportunities America offers, vs refugee invaders who come here in desperation and demand a lifestyle that so many legal immigrants worked hard to achieve.

[@markopolo8348]

90s were the last chance to get glimpse of the so called American dream, now…no comment.

[@DJPatesBlog]

Classic Dinesh!

[@boltrooktwo]

We need to get back the virtue and merit that secure the blessings of Liberty like our Preamble to the Constitution calls for.

[@robviousobviously5757]

God bless America..

[@DouglasLippi]

Nice reminder of the freedoms we sometimes have 🤣

[@Kylecombes4]

Beautiful

[@deanmartin1966]

Merry Christmas John Stossel.

[@Dat_Sun]

He is out to destroy everything we stand for in America.

[@deanmartin1966]

@@Dat_Sun You sound very smart

[@Dat_Sun]

@@deanmartin1966 Was shilling for immigration. Have you noticed the mass illegal immigration? 2033 court dates and a free ticket anywhere. Healthcare, $ card, sensus numbers mean more power for cities. I cannot say more here, probably going to get another community guidelines violation for 24 hours again just for saying this.

[@deanmartin1966]

@@Dat_Sun You’re going to blame a reporter for illegal immigration? You might want to look at your president.

[@Dat_Sun]

@@deanmartin1966 He picked the .001% of them as example.

[@martyp5976]

Si, great content as always!

[@Paladin1873]

God bless America, warts and all.

[@Fulltimer]

That piece of information is so important to all.

[@alexanderx33]

I am very grateful that there is a large cohort of people in a democratic nation that espouse these ideals because most places those are not cardinal values and I want to see this carried to the extreme end of what can be implimented. Forget past freedoms I want to be free-er than our parents and grandparents were!

[@tamadeus7189]

Many make the case we dont work enough, consume too much, refuse to think, etc. It's hard to debunk if you live in New York or visit a Walmart.

[@kinjunranger140]

We refuse to think because of a walmart? Did you think that through?

[@scottjohnson7780]

Great, now explain this to the Squad.

[@mattgould4265]

Well said John! America is still the land of opportunity…

[@cptcurk192]

One indicator of the health of a country is the amount of people clamoring to get INTO that country and not OUT of that country.

[@philshock3805]

Regardless of the situation you were born into, medical issues aside, if you're an adult living in the U.S., you are where you are in life precisely because of the choices YOU have made.

[@rosscarlson3701]

I just wanna reach out and straighten Dinesh's glasses.

[@AdamKlownzinger]

The only people who complain about materialism have all of the materials they need

[@promiseclark99]

This place is a ticking time bomb and whoever is smart will not be around when it goes off.

[@dehydratedwater9806]

Im so glad i don't live in a city.

[@Dat_Sun]

Need to seal them off somehow soon.

[@thepuncakian2024]

NYC is a cool place to visit, but I definitely wouldn't wanna live there either lol. Different strokes for different folks.

[@andreathompson-bg4hl]

America that was great! Ny is where I want to be.

[@alexcameron2880]

How true this used to be.

[@barbaraallen7164]

I appreciate this video and what this country once stood for. Look at the United States now, charity starts with other countries while we struggle and the homelessness is growing. It's just sad.

[@AllAboutMMA]

Im not even american but somehow i feel patriotic

[@science212]

I love America.

[@sehguh1965]

Excellent Video! Hey John, what do you think of the following: What can we do over the next 30 months to galvanize us as Americans to celebrate our country's 250th birthday on July 4, 2026? Are we too divided to put our differences aside and make our 250th birthday one of togetherness?

[@b_tang]

Too true

[@marlonmoncrieffe0728]

🙁 New Yorker here and, unfortunately, Ripley's Believe It or Not! is no more.

[@floridiantv1351]

We need you as congressman or vice president

[@melissahouse3488]

Then he'd turn corrupt & bought.

[@907Alexp]

Awesome

[@dv_vid]

Happyness

[@robertfrank886]

Very sad that some people want to tear it all down.

[@derpderp1101]

"A country that now celebrates our diversity" I hope we all do that even if certain entities wish us different.

[@ashleynicole9423]

I love America pre-2008

[@morrismonet3554]

"A country boy can survive."

[@thegeneralist7527]

It didn't happen by accident. Freedom. Equality. The rule of law.

[@aygwm]

I love capitalism but I simultaneously understand that material wealth does not create joy. You create joy. Yourself.

[@42luke93]

A reminder of 10 years ago. The media makes it look so terrible.

[@roroneto]

I love the USA!!

[@alan_clough]

I hope John Stossel becomes a wax figure.

[@Penguins44]

Damn straight.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

Pursue whatever you like. But absolutely nothing is guaranteed. You might even "succeed" for two weeks, but fail for 50 others. It's all luck-based, and if you're already wealthy... you've already "won".