preview

Essay On Letters From An American Farmer

Decent Essays

Teach Them Gratitude Letters From an American Farmer : Letter III - What Is An American accurately describes the give and take relationship which should be expected of all peoples living within United States of America. St John de Crevecoeur summarizes this relationship by stating, "If thou wilt work, I have bread for thee; if thou wilt be honest, sober, and industrious, I have greater rewards to confer on thee--ease and independence." (de Crevecoeur) De Crevecoeur deftly itemizes what the land will provide to migrants as well as what is expected of the migrants once they arrive. The first demand that is placed on a migrant is work, the corresponding reward is bread. The idea that work is required for nourishment is not a new one. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10, Paul is quoted as saying, “If any would not work, neither should he eat.” ("2 Thessalonians 3 KJV") This demonstrates that the concept that work was required in order to eat was alive 2,000 years ago. Speaking beyond theology to common knowledge, it is not possible to grow or raise food without some measure of work. The work for food concept also relieves the burden of provision away from the local community, and places it directly onto those who are physically capable of providing for themselves.
Next, …show more content…

Living in a time and place with limited resource causes people to be inventive ("A Quote By Plato"). To be industrious and to think creatively affords the ability to create tools and necessities out of waste. Industry allows land to be used resourcefully and to the fullest extent possible. This type of living provides freedom and independence. It limits the amount of dependence on the local community and the government. When the community is self-sufficient with little contact with the government, the government should have limited interference with the community. Ingenuity and independence is the panicle of the American

Get Access