Max Weber Capitalism Essay

Max Weber's book "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism" deals with the idea of capitalism as having been partially influenced by Protestant thinking. While some might be inclined to believe that there is a strong difference between religious ideas and capitalist ideas (with the latter being primarily meant to influence people to become rich), the reality is that there is a powerful connection between the two schools of thought.

Economic conditions today have been influenced by early Protestant thinking and one can easily find parallels in religious principles promoted in Calvinist circles. Calvinists' belief that God provides people with resources based on the strength of their relationship with him influenced people belonging to the community to focus on increasing their finances on account of how such behavior would be perfectly rational in the eyes of God.

Evidence

Catholics through the ages have been passionate about improving their relationship with the divine and this is largely believed to be achievable through a system of actions involving the person renouncing many material values in favor of spiritual values.Weber is careful not to generalize when referring to Catholics being more spiritual while Protestants are more concerned about material values. Although he acknowledges that opinions differ, he highlights that Protestant values played an important role in shaping capitalism and in influencing many individuals to develop an affinity for capitalist principles.

Weber apparently believes that religious principles stand behind capitalist values and that many Protestant families have seen capitalism as one of the most interesting economic systems. These people have concentrated on living their lives based on….....