What were some of the virtues extolled by the McGuffey Readers?

The McGuffey Readers, a series of grade-level textbooks first published in the early 19th century, were widely used in American schools and emphasized moral education alongside conventional reading skills. The virtues extolled in these readers typically included themes like hard work and punctuality, reflecting the values of the emerging middle class during that time. These readers sought to instill a strong work ethic in students, encouraging traits essential for personal success and contributing to a productive society.

Hard work was particularly emphasized as a pathway to individual achievement and social mobility, which resonated with the American ideal of the self-made man. Punctuality, on the other hand, was presented as a crucial aspect of respectability and responsibility, reinforcing the importance of being timely and dependable in one’s personal and professional life. Such virtues perfectly aligned with the goals of education at that time, aiming to prepare students to be industrious and reliable citizens.

The other choices, while they may reflect positive qualities, did not align as closely with the primary messages of the McGuffey Readers. Wealth and Power, for instance, focus on material success rather than the moral character virtues promoted in the readings. Intellect and Wisdom, while valuable, were not the primary focus of these