

#2657
Mentioned in 10 episodes
The protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism
Book • 1904
In this book, Max Weber argues that the Protestant work ethic, especially as influenced by Calvinism, played a significant role in the development of modern capitalism.
Weber posits that the concept of a 'calling' and the this-worldly asceticism of Protestantism fostered a culture of hard work, thrift, and the accumulation of wealth, which were crucial for the emergence of capitalist culture.
He contrasts this with the traditional economic attitudes and the medieval monastic ideal of other-worldly asceticism.
The book also explores how these religious ideas influenced the development of a rational and disciplined approach to economic activity, which became a hallmark of modern capitalism.
Weber posits that the concept of a 'calling' and the this-worldly asceticism of Protestantism fostered a culture of hard work, thrift, and the accumulation of wealth, which were crucial for the emergence of capitalist culture.
He contrasts this with the traditional economic attitudes and the medieval monastic ideal of other-worldly asceticism.
The book also explores how these religious ideas influenced the development of a rational and disciplined approach to economic activity, which became a hallmark of modern capitalism.
Mentioned by


















Mentioned in 10 episodes
Mentioned by 

in a discussion about culture and economic growth.


Fareed Zakaria

133 snips
Fareed Zakaria on the Age of Revolutions, the Power of Ideas, and the Rewards of Intellectual Curiosity
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when discussing the origins of the Protestant work ethic.

Elizabeth Anderson

26 snips
A pro-worker work ethic
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in relation to the Puritan work ethic and its role in modern capitalism.

Rudyard Lynch

23 snips
Explaining 17th Century Western Europe
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when discussing Marx's views on the relationship between Protestantism and capitalism.

Paul Reitter

19 snips
A Deep Dive on Karl Marx's "Capital"
Mentioned by Jordan Peterson when discussing the concept of the sovereign individual and its historical development.

16 snips
12 Rules Sacramento: The Sovereignty of the Individual
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and ![undefined]()

throughout the podcast as the central figure whose work is being discussed.

Sean Illing

George Blaustein

The spiritual roots of our strange relationship to work
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when explaining the concept of secular puritanism and its roots in religious anxiety.


Jacob Howland

#628: The Rise of Secular Religion and the New Puritanism
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in comparison to his own work, highlighting differences in approach and focus.

Benjamin M. Friedman

The Theological Roots of Capitalism: A Conversation with Economist Benjamin M. Friedman
Mentioned by Maurice Glassman as one of the texts relevant to the conversation.

Maurice Glasman vs. DLR: Patriotyzm, Wspólnota, Wiara - lewica musi wrócić do korzeni!
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while explaining Max Weber’s work on Western modernity.

Molly Worthen

How Charisma Reveals Our Idols
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when discussing the rationalization of society and its impact on values.

Chris Burniske

Chris Burniske: A Blank Slate of State - Ep.163
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as having visited America before writing his famous book.

Andrew Keen

Episode 2500: Why I still believe in the American Dream
Mentioned by 

in relation to the work ethic and values of the Hermès founders.


Trung Phan

#007 Hermes and The Birkin Bag
Mentioned by 

as the first book read in his economics class.


James A. Robinson

#12 - James Robinson - Why Nations Fail: A Historical Analysis on the Origins of Prosperity & Poverty
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in the context of Joseph Henrich's work and Weberian sociology.

Jukka Savolainen

Is Sociology Broken? Jukka Savolainen on Ideology and Reform | Ep 35
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as a book analyzing the connection between Puritanism and American capitalism.

Andrew Keen

Episode 2532: Mattea Kramer on how Addiction has replaced Apple Pie as the most American of things
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when discussing the connection between agency and American values.

Andrew Keen

Episode 2332: Greg Beato on what could go possibly RIGHT with our AI future
Mentioned by George Spenkuk as one of the most influential and controversial theses in social sciences.

360. Is the Protestant Work Ethic Real?
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as the author of a highly influential book on religion in the United States.

Andrew Keen

Episode 2328: A gay Jewish atheist rides to the rescue of American Christianity
Mentioned when discussing sociologies of closure and the Protestant work ethic in capitalist societies.

Jan Overwijk on Cybernetic Capitalism and Critical Systems Theory