In the excerpt by George Packer titled “Sam Walton/Jay Z,” Packer was describing two public figures who seem to embody the successful achievement of the American Dream, Sam Walton head of Wal-Mart and Jay Z hip hop artist and business mogul. The backstory of each man is described in detail, offering insight into multiple paths to success. Walton has taken the more conventional, “acceptable” route through education, small business acquisition, and expansion on a global scale. Jay Z’s story shows that traditional paths are not the only ways to achieve goals and describes his journey through the urban projects, criminal activity, and unrelenting dedication to his personal success. These snapshots are illustrating both the positive and negative