The concept of being on the frontier emphasizes the necessity of action over mere speculation. This involves practical tasks like land clearing, shelter building, and food sourcing. In such environments, ideologies are rigorously tested, leaving little room for abstract thought. This grounded approach explains America's historical resistance to ideologies like communism and fascism, as the culture tends to prioritize practicality over idealism.

As Kaplan points out, the American focus on real-world activities has led intellectuals to seek inspiration from European ideologies rather than developing their own utopian frameworks. The prevailing attitude favors a strong work ethic and financial success, deeply rooted in the frontier mentality, which values tangible results and initiative over theoretical discussions.