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The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism
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Book Brief
The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1905464
Book • Nonfiction
Germany • 1900s
1905
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Max Weber examines how religious doctrines of various Protestant sects influenced the development of capitalist attitudes toward work and money. Weber argues that Protestant asceticism and the notion of a "calling," particularly shaped by Calvinist predestination, led to a work ethic that evolved into the secular spirit of capitalism.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
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Review Roundup
Max Weber's The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism is praised for its groundbreaking analysis of the relationship between religion and economic development. Critics value its interdisciplinary approach but note its dense prose and challenging concepts. While some find it transformative, others feel it overemphasizes Protestantism's role in capitalism's rise.
Who Should Read The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism?
A reader who enjoys The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Max Weber is likely interested in sociology, economics, and religious studies. Similar readers may appreciate Karl Marx's Das Kapital or Émile Durkheim's The Division of Labor in Society, which also explore the intersection of social structures and economic systems.
14,084 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Martin Luther
Martin Luther
A German theologian whose emphasis on vocational calling and moral living as a form of religious practice is analyzed for its impact on societal work ethics.
John Calvin
John Calvin
A French theologian whose teachings on predestination and vocational devotion are examined for their role in shaping attitudes towards work and economic conduct.
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
An American founding father whose writings on the ethical duty of wealth accumulation are used as an illustration of the spirit of capitalism.
Richard Baxter
Richard Baxter
A British theologian from the Puritan movement known for advocating a moral framework that encourages constant work and the ethical accumulation of wealth.
464
Book • Nonfiction
Germany • 1900s
1905
Adult
18+ years
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