Emma Goldman

Puritanism, in whatever expression, is a poisonous germ. On the surface everything may look strong and vigorous; yet the poison works its way persistently, until the entire fabric is doomed.

Russian Activist

John Updike

We are drawn to artists who tell us that art is difficult to do and takes a spiritual effort, because we are still puritan enough to respect a strenuous spiritual effort.

American Novelist

James Young

You know the puritan ethic that started out four centuries ago in this country, needless to say - at least for the moment - a thing of the past - from what I can tell.

American Musician

Karl Lagerfeld

I'm a total puritan, but I found Jacques' adventures amusing. We couldn't be further apart. I am a Calvinist toward myself and totally indulgent toward others.

German Designer

Gunter Grass

Art is so wonderfully irrational, exuberantly pointless, but necessary all the same. Pointless and yet necessary, that's hard for a puritan to understand.

German Author

Guy Fieri

I was raised not so much in a puritan environment, but for the most part, a pretty healthy one.

American Businessman

Gilbert K. Chesterton

A puritan is a person who pours righteous indignation into the wrong things.

English Writer

H. L. Mencken

Puritanism. The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy.

American Writer

Vivienne Westwood

Personally I'm not a feminist, as I can't stand puritans.

English Designer

Leland Ryken

Puritanism was a youthful, vigorous movement.

American Educator

The term often implies that someone is overly strict and doesn't tolerate different behaviors or beliefs.

Moral Strictness

In modern usage, 'puritan' can have negative connotations, suggesting someone is narrow-minded.

Cultural Association

While it has religious origins, 'puritan' is used broadly for strict morality in any area.

Not Just Religious

Although it usually refers to religion, 'puritan' can describe non-religious strictness.

Non-Religious Usage

As an adjective, it may imply that the person or practice is excessively strict and therefore undesirable.

Subtle Disapproval

Understanding the historical Puritans helps grasp the full meaning and usage of the term today.

Historical Context

Puritans are part of American foundational history, affecting attitudes towards work, morality, and religion.

Cultural Influence

Using 'Puritan' may evoke emotions tied to freedom, as they were historical seekers of religious liberty.

Emotional Connotations

 so you might say okay there are these differences between liberals and conservatives but what makes those three other foundations moral aren't those just the foundations of xenophobia and authoritarianism and puritanism what makes them moral the answer i think is contained in this incredible triptych from hieronymus bosch the garden of earthly delights

The moral roots of...

 But to a liberal, it sounds like this dog is running for the Republican nomination. You might say, OK, there are differences between liberals and conservatives, but what makes the three other foundations moral? Aren't they the foundations of xenophobia, authoritarianism and puritanism? What makes them moral?

Jonathan Haidt: The...

 Puritans living near Salem Massachusetts in 1692 anyone could be a witch