Mencken's Critique of Puritanism

H.L. Mencken critiqued Puritanism as a strict, moralistic strain that imposed rigid standards on society, often suppressing individual freedom and enjoyment. He believed it fostered intolerance and hypocrisy, labeling it as a force that prioritized moral control over natural human desires. Mencken saw Puritanism's emphasis on guilt and self-denial as detrimental to personal happiness and cultural progress, viewing it as an authoritarian presence that stifled creativity and understanding. His critique highlights how Puritan values, in his view, hindered a balanced, open-minded society by promoting moral rigidity over human vitality.