Protestant Ethic

The Protestant Ethic, popularized by sociologist Max Weber, is the idea that certain Protestant values, particularly those stemming from Calvinism, encouraged hard work, frugality, and success in business as a sign of personal virtue and divine favor. This belief system promotes the notion that diligence and discipline contribute to both individual achievement and societal prosperity. Over time, this ethic is credited with influencing the development of modern capitalism, as it aligns with a culture that values productivity and rational economic behavior, ultimately shaping attitudes toward work and success in many Western societies.