Americans have long prided themselves as being part of an optimistic society. But a new research describes Americans as pessimistic, believing the nation is in decline and that quality of life for 1generations may be lower than it is today. Defining the American Dream is not easy, although four definitions dominate people's 2of what it means to them, according to researchers at the Xavier University's Institute for Politics and the American Dream: opportunity, freedom, family and financial success. Happiness, wealth, home ownership are among the things that 3as less important in people's views of what the dream means. However people define it, they believe the American Dream is harder to achieve for this generation that it was for their parents' generation. Sixty percent of those 4by Xavier University said that was their conclusion. Even more—68 percent—said their children and grandchildren will find it more 5to achieve than they have. The results may not be 6, given the state of the economy. The deep recession that has gripped the nation sent the unemployment 7to 9.7 percent. Add to that the damage done to retirement savings accounts by the 8decline in the stock market. Today, a majority of Americans—58 percent—see the country in decline. A smaller majority—52 percent—believe the world now 9to many other places to see where the future is. It's little wonder Americans are in a pessimistic 10.A) looks I) rateB) mood J) supportedC) ratio K) sharpD) rank L) hopesE) surveyed M) perceptionsF) contemporary N) disappointingG) difficult O) surprising H) future