The term **"puritanical"** originates from the **Puritans**, a group of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries who sought to "purify" the Church of England from perceived Roman [[Woke|Catholic]] influences. Over time, the word evolved to describe a strict, moralistic attitude, particularly regarding pleasure, [[Sex]], and personal behavior. ### **Etymology:** 1. **"Puritan"** (late 16th century) → Derived from **"purity"** (Latin *puritas*) + the suffix **"-an"**, meaning "one who advocates purity." 2. **"Puritanical"** (mid-17th century) → Adjective form describing rigid moralism, often with connotations of [[excessive]] strictness. ### **Deeper Meaning & Connotations:** - **Historically:** The Puritans emphasized **plain living, hard work, and religious devotion**, rejecting extravagance and what they saw as moral laxity. - **Modern Usage:** - Often **pejorative**, implying **[[hypocrisy]], [[repression]], or joyless rigidity**. - Suggests **excessive moral scrutiny**, especially in areas like **sex, alcohol, entertainment, or personal [[Freedom]]**. - Can imply **authoritarian control** over others' behavior in the name of [[Morality]]. ### **Examples of Puritanical Attitudes:** - **Religious:** Banning dancing, theater, or festive clothing (as some Puritans did). - **Secular:** Extreme censorship, shaming of "vices," or harsh judgments on lifestyle choices. ### **Cultural Impact:** - The term is often used in debates about **censorship, sexual freedom, and societal norms**. - Critics of **conservative moralism** may label restrictions as "puritanical." - Conversely, some embrace **Puritan-like [[discipline]]** (e.g., in work ethic or minimalism) without the negative connotations. The **Puritanical movement**, with its emphasis on moral rigor, self-discipline, and strict adherence to religious principles, was likely most influenced by **Enneagram Type 1 (The Reformer)** and, to a lesser extent, **Type 6 (The Loyalist)**. Here’s why: ### **1. Enneagram Type 1 (The Reformer) – The Core Influence** - **Perfectionism & Moral Rigor:** Puritans sought to "purify" religion and society, driven by a deep sense of right and wrong—a hallmark of Type 1. - **Self-Control & Discipline:** Their rejection of indulgence (e.g., banning festivities, alcohol, elaborate dress) aligns with Type 1’s fear of corruption and desire for order. - **Judgmental Tendencies:** The Puritanical harshness toward "sinners" (e.g., witch trials, public shaming) reflects Type 1’s struggle with repressed anger and black-and-white thinking. - **Reforming Zeal:** Type 1s often believe they must improve the world by imposing structure—exactly what the Puritans attempted in England and America. ### **2. Enneagram Type 6 (The Loyalist) – Secondary Influence** - **Rule-Following & Security-Seeking:** Many Puritans were reacting to perceived threats (Catholicism, moral decay), much like Type 6s seek safety through structure and loyalty to a system. - **Group Conformity:** Puritan communities enforced strict codes, punishing dissent—a Type 6 trait of relying on authority (in this case, religious doctrine) for stability. - **Fear-Based Control:** The witch trials and harsh punishments stemmed partly from anxiety about chaos and evil, a Type 6 motivation. ### **Possible Minor Influence: Type 4 (The Individualist)?** - Some scholars argue that Puritan introspection (e.g., journals of spiritual self-examination) had a **melancholic, introspective** quality resembling Type 4. However, this was likely a cultural expression rather than the movement’s driving force. ### **Conclusion:** The Puritans were **primarily Type 1s** (idealistic, morally rigid reformers) with **strong Type 6 tendencies** (fear-based control, loyalty to doctrine). Their legacy of austerity, judgment, and repression aligns closely with the **unhealthy expressions of these types**. Would you like parallels to modern movements or figures with similar traits? `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:`