The Puritans’ influences on the economy are very palpable. On the US dollar you can clearly see the statement “In God we trust.” Money is the most significant tool in an economy; therefore, a statement about God on the money of the USA accentuates the Puritans’ role in determining the economy of the United States. Today, people recommend frugality. Even people like Bill Gates, Carlos Slim, and Warren Buffet do not use their money prodigally. Bill Gates, the richest man in the world, only has $100,000 car; Carlos Slim, the second richest man in the world is known for his stinginess – he even checks how much he spent for his socks; lastly, Warren Buffet, the third richest man in the world, is known for his frugality and generosity. He still has his shabby car and his house is considerably smaller than other rich people. The reason all people try to avoid prodigality is also Puritan’s influence. Puritans recommended poverty: “Even though a member of the group became very poor, the Puritans did not kick him out but even extolled him for his industry and frugality” (Beeke 101).
Today, the system of the United States’ economy is capitalism. The definition of capitalism
Cited: Beek, Joel. Meet the Puritans. New York: Reformation Heritage Books, 2006. “Connection between Puritanism and Economy.” 25 Oct. 2007 <http://www.sociumas.lt/Eng/Nr2/religija.asp>. Hall, David. Puritans in the New World. USA: Princeton UP, 2004. “Influence on American Society.” 9 Oct. 2007 <http://www.infoplease.com/ce61society/A0860592.html>. Kizer, Kay. “Puritans.” 25 Oct. 2007 <http://www.nd.edu/~rbarger/www7/puritans.html>. “Puritanism in the New England.” 9 Oct. 2007 <http://www.wsu.edu/~campbelld/amlit/purdef.htm>. Safra, Jacob. Puritanism/The rise of Puritanism. Encyclopeadia 9/Encyclopeadia 26. USA: Britanica, 1903. “The Puritans: 1600-1699.” 9 Oct. 2007 <http://www.churchtimeline.com/1600.htm>. Wiegand, Steve. U.S History for Dummies. USA: ID G Book World Wide, Inc., 2001.