I've never met an American who wanted to build an empire

I've never met an American who wanted to build an empire

Tom Wolfe, the renowned American author and journalist, was known for his keen observations of American society and culture. In his works, Wolfe often delved into the complexities of the American psyche, exploring themes of ambition, success, and power. One of the recurring themes in Wolfe's writing was the idea of the American Dream and the pursuit of success in a capitalist society.

In the context of the statement, "I've never met an American who wanted to build an empire," Wolfe's work sheds light on the nuances of American ambition. While the idea of empire-building may conjure images of conquest and domination, Wolfe's portrayal of American ambition is more nuanced and complex. In Wolfe's view, Americans are driven by a desire for success and achievement, but not necessarily by a desire for power and control over others.

Wolfe's characters often embody the American Dream in its various forms – from the ambitious Wall Street banker in "The Bonfire of the Vanities" to the aspiring writer in "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test." These characters are driven by a desire to succeed, to make a name for themselves, and to achieve their goals. However, their motivations are not necessarily rooted in a desire for empire-building or domination.