The Protestant Ethic

Max Weber's "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism" explores the relationship between the rise of Protestantism and the development of modern capitalism.

Weber argues that the values and beliefs embedded within certain Protestant sects, particularly Calvinism, fostered an ethos of hard work, frugality, and rational economic behavior.

This ethos, he suggests, contributed significantly to the accumulation of capital and the emergence of capitalist systems.

The book examines historical and sociological factors, analyzing the impact of religious ideas on economic practices and social structures.

Weber's work remains highly influential in sociology and economics, prompting ongoing debates about the interplay between religion, culture, and economic development.

It challenges simplistic explanations of capitalism's origins, highlighting the complex interplay of various social and cultural forces.