The American way of life has changed throughout the centuries. Our views of life have changed dramatically in many ways. History has changed the way we look at American values in general. Such things as our drive for hard work and value of education have evolved from specific types of people during the growth of this great nation. But who were these mysterious people that so drastically changed the way we think today? These "wonderful" people were called puritans and settled in the New England colonies. They ran their society with a strong hand, and valued their land. When it came to work and education they put forth 110% effort. The puritan values have been carried through the centuries and are still alive and kicking today.

In today's society hard work holds as much of an importance as it did during the puritan times. We hold this American value in high regard when it comes to most things. The puritans viewed hard work as a necessity to survive. We know this partly by the fact that some where around 80% of the puritans were farmers and in order to keep up a good farm you must

Values of such people as the puritan's have continued on in the world today and have changed the course of history, as we know it. Education, hard work, and materialism are just three of the many influences that have been handed down from our great ancestors. However, the question still at hand is "Have these values, that have been handed down to us so generously, been for the better or the worse? This is one question I feel must be answered by ones heart. It is after all, a matter of opinion.

From the time of the puritan's to generation-X education has always been a important value. Although some today view school as another place for teens to kick back and just talk to each other. Most however are in school to do more than just learn, they are there to succeed. 97% of all high school students have plans for a higher learning in college. And where are the best colleges located? Most are located on the East Coast. Such schools as Harvard and Yale were founded by our strict ancestors, the puritan's. They viewed education as a tool. With it you will succeed. Who knows, back then with a good education you might end up in office.

Some common words found in the essay are:
, Thomas Jefferson, Reverend Parris, Crucible Proctor, Harvard Yale, East Coast, today's society, puritans viewed, life changed, east coast,
Approximate Word count = 773
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)