The pool of opportunity has shrunk from what it once was, and it appears that opportunity parallels wealth in capitalist America: a small number of individuals have success in their endeavors, and the rest must settle for less with disappointment and disillusionment. While hard work and perseverance can push people to reach new heights, the power of optimism and positive thinking can only take a person so far. The great American dream and its frontier are accessible only to those in certain circumstances, and those circumstances are becoming less and less available to the new generation entering the world.