The Puritan Ethic

The Puritan ethic is a set of values from 16th-17th century Puritans emphasizing hard work, discipline, and moral integrity as expressions of religious faith. It advocates diligent labor, frugality, and self-control, believing these qualities demonstrate one’s dedication to God's will and aid in achieving salvation. This ethic shaped cultural attitudes toward work and success, emphasizing that prosperity and moral virtue are linked. While originating in religious beliefs, it also contributed to the development of a disciplined work ethic that influenced Western ideas about industry, responsibility, and individual character.