The concepts of self and self- reliance became most notable in New England in the 18th century when Puritans became interested in the acquisition of education more than anything else. The Puritans were keen on acquiring education so as to question some of the fundamental principles that governed belief in the existence of God. And it is through their quest that early literature documented the need for them to become self-reliant and to know and understand the self. At the time, life was considered a test that could either lead to condemnation or eternal success. Most written works of Continue reading...