[xxxpupugo]

It seems the author believes that American as an identity bares great significance that Americans were and should be destined to greatness, or at least in favor of such ambitious ideals.

But let's be honest. The idea of human has mission to achieve greatness by itself is, just a belief. Human life can be any form it needs to be, if the owner him/herself desires so. And the in the age of internet, it is easy to at least observe afar what your desired life would be like by watching others do it. I'd argue people are much aware and resourceful to decide what he/she wants to be, and being ordinary yet full-filling is perfectly fine goal to pursue, and it is arguably not easy still.