The 1920’s were a time when success was
directly proportional to material goods. A man with a “hydroplane”(64) might be
considered more successful than a man whose “house was an eyesore”(5). However,
success in America isn’t based on material goods or wealth but rather how
content a person is with their current life. Success is personal satisfaction.
The novel Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
introduced a man named Christopher Langan, who despite having the highest IQ in
the world, is a horse rancher in Missouri. He could be making millions yet
chooses to remain a horse rancher because it gives him personal satisfaction.
In his opinion, he is successful without having vast amounts of wealth.
Gatsby on the other hand has plenty of
wealth and a “colossal..mansion”(5) yet he is emotionally disturbed and is
“trembling”(21) at night. Although others might feel that Gatsby is successful
because of his wealth, he is not personally satisfied resulting in him staying
awake at night. Gatsby does not fit the true definition of success in America
yet other people still perceive him as successful because they feel that a
person with unlimited wealth has to be happy.
Success
in America is based on immaterial goods.
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