In Daniel Defoe's novel, "Robinson Crusoe," the titular character struggles to remain moral in a society which places great significance on the attainment of power and wealth. At first, Crusoe can be characterized as a man who is in large part a product of his environment and the ideals of current society. He takes advantage of every possible opportunity and still remains unsatisfied with what he has, always continuing to seek more. Defoe allows us to reflect upon the selfish attitude that is so often found in society by demonstrating what eventually happens when we live for superficial reasons. Crusoe, alone on a deserted island, learns to live a fuller life and appreciate what has been given to him by God. By creating such a drastic change in setting, Defoe is able to make an incredible statement; by leaving society and its evil influences one can see the true beauty of life and the absolute necessity of God. Once one has a better awareness of life, one can incorporate the practical and current modes of living that society so greatly enforces. Crusoe thus can be seen as an example of how one can assume both roles of being economical and spiritual and combine them into a single life. .
Crusoe holds a great spiritual awareness and positive outlook towards life, while still maintaining strong economic principles. In a deep reflection on the unfortunate circumstances under which he's been living, Crusoe says, "I now began to consider seriously my condition, and the circumstance I was reduc'd to, and I drew up the state of my affairs in writing." Crusoe, by nature, is an economically driven man who strongly desires to make a list of the circumstances that have afflicted him. He notes, "I began to comfort my self as well as I could, and to set the good against the evil, that I might have something to distinguish my case from worse, and I stated it very impartially, like debtor and creditor, the comforts I enjoy'd, against the miseries I suffer'd.
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