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Topic Brief: Industriousness
Julia Heath
Politics and Policy, Liberty University
GOVT 329-B01: American Exceptionalism
Professor Ronald Miller
February 2, 2022
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Topic Brief: Industriousness
Definitions
The primary definition of industriousness comes from Murray. During the founding era,
this trait was referred to as industry, but now it is called industriousness. Murray says that there
are three primary things that define industriousness: self-reliance, hard work, and getting ahead.
This seems to be very similar to the basis of the American dream. It is defined as the American
belief that hard work and the belief that life is supposed to be about working to get ahead in
order to create a better life for oneself and their family (Murray, 2013). Francis Grund also states
that work is “…not only the principal source of [the Americans’] happiness, and the foundation
of their natural greatness, but they are absolutely wretched without it.... It is the very soul of an
American; he pursues it, not as a means of procuring for himself and his family the necessary
comforts of life, but as the fountain of all human felicity” (Murray, 2013). This shows that work,
the foundation of industriousness, is the source of American happiness, and essential to the
greatness of the nation. The American dream is built upon industriousness, or the belief that you
can work hard enough to get ahead and change your current circumstances. In addition to this,
Henry Adams adds that the opportunity available to Americans contributes to the qualities of
industriousness and has the greatest impact on the lower classes (Murray, 2013). There is also the
aspect of self-reliance. This aspect became known as “rugged individualism” according to
Grund. He further explains that Americans, even in hardships, are embarrassed or would rather
not ask for charity. So, in addition to getting ahead and putting in hard work, Americans would
rather do it on their own even if they needed help.
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Another context to examine industriousness from would be religiosity. Gingrich asserts
that when examining American history “we find the religious-tinged view that work is a moral
good in and of itself” (Gingrich, n.d.). He also includes various quotes to support this such as
“‘The man who builds a factory builds a temple,’ President Coolidge declared, adding, ‘The man
who works there worships there.’ Henry Ford was even more adamant: ‘Work is the salvation of
the human race, morally, physically, socially’” (Gingrich, n.d.). This view of work or industrious
pairs with the idolization of money that Murray references. He says that not all Europeans had
such a positive reaction to this American quality, some saw it as more of an idolization of money
(Murray, 2013). It is also interesting that a criticism of this trait of exceptionalism is that
Americans seem to be obsessed with money and live to work, in comparison to Europeans who
work to live (Murray, 2013). This shows quite a difference in societies.
Lastly, in the more literal sense, industriousness is defined as “constantly, regularly, or
habitually active or occupied: diligent” (Merriam Webster, n.d.). This is exemplified quite well
in American culture, even in modern times. It is seen as a badge of honor to be busy or
constantly working.
Reason for Selection
I chose industriousness as my trait to research because I associate it most closely with
American exceptionalism. American exceptionalism is closely related to the American dream,
and hard work encompasses most of what both of those words are. I identify the most with the
industriousness of American exceptionalism. While religiosity, egalitarianism, and community
life are all important aspects of the exceptionalism of America, industriousness is what really sets
America apart from other countries and has always been the most prominent feature of America
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throughout history. Back in the founding era, many immigrated to America for the chance at a
new life, and the way this was possible was through hard work, and self-reliance to get ahead.
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References
Gingrich, N. (n.d.). A Nation Like No Other. Retrieved from
https://platform.virdocs.com/r/s/0/doc/1871403/sp/233541248/mi/690389398?cfi=
%2F4%2F26%2C%2F1%3A0%2C%2F1%3A0&menu=search&q=industriousness
Murray, C. A. (2013). American exceptionalism: An experiment in history. AEI Press.
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Industrious definition & meaning. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved
February 3, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/industrious
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