The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism (Max Weber)

Max Weber's "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism" argues that certain Protestant values, especially those stemming from Calvinism, encouraged discipline, hard work, and frugality. These attitudes fostered an environment conducive to capitalism’s growth by promoting responsible wealth accumulation and diligent labor. Weber suggests that religious beliefs indirectly influenced economic behaviors, shaping the development of modern capitalism. In essence, Weber links religious ethics to economic success, emphasizing how cultural ideas can influence societal structures and economic systems over time.