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Religion and Economics in Robinson Crusoe

 

" Under a column listed "Evil ", Crusoe documents all of his misfortunes, and under the column "Good ", he comments on any of the positive aspects of that particular misfortune. Crusoe structures his list like that of a debtor or a creditor by remaining detached from his observations, demonstrating his economical mind-set and business-like mentality.
             A critical presentation of Crusoe's character is then made, as he seems to be an economical man in practice, yet a spiritual one in mindset. The creation of a journal in which Crusoe can voice his innermost thoughts provides the reader with an opportunity to connect with Crusoe on a new level, understanding the reasoning behind many of his actions. As the lone survivor of a shipwreck, Crusoe has been truly blessed. He notes that he is lonesome on the island, separated from all of humanity; however, he has figured out ways to survive completely on his own. Although he complains of not having any means of production, Crusoe acknowledges his good fortune in that he has been stranded on an island where there are neither wild animals nor people to make enemies with. Due to the unemotional, detached tone of Crusoe, his documenting of all of his misfortunes in a formal and well thought out manner somehow seems natural. Although his attitude is clearly very business oriented, the fact that the content of his actions are centered on finding the good and being thankful demonstrates his spiritual fortitude and moral growth. Both the economic and spiritual sides of Crusoe are apparent as he is able to maintain his inclination to think economically, yet also in accordance with the Scripture and remain morally conscious. .
             Further upholding his moral integrity and spiritual perspective on life, Crusoe comments on his list, saying, "Upon the whole, here was an undoubted testimony, that there was scarce any condition in the world so miserable, but there was something negative or something positiv to be thankful for in it.


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