“In fact, the summum bonum of his ethic, the earning of more and more money, combined with the strict avoidance of all spontaneous enjoyment of life, is above all completely devoid of any eudaemonistic, not to say hedonistic, admixture. It is thought of so purely as an end in itself, that from the point of view of the happiness of, or utility to, the single individual, it appears entirely transcendental and absolutely irrational. Man is dominated by the making of money, by acquisition as the ultimate purpose of his life. Economic acquisition is no longer subordinated to man as the means for the satisfaction of his material needs. This reversal of what we should call the natural relationship, so irrational from a naive point of view, is evidently as definitely a leading principle of capitalism as it is foreign to all peoples not under capitalistic influence.”
Quote by Max Weber
Work
This work examines the cultural and religious origins of modern economic behavior, arguing that certain Protestant doctrines, especially the concept of a worldly calling and predestination, fostered a disciplined, rational approach to work and wealth accumulation. The author contends that this ethic, while originally religious in nature, eventually became secularized and contributed to the spirit of modern capitalism, characterized by systematic, profit-oriented enterprise. The book remains a foundational text in sociology and economic history, sparking ongoing debate about the role of ideas in shaping economic systems. more
Author
Max Weber was a German sociologist, political economist, and philosopher, a prominent figure in the social sciences in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for his work on modern social structures, religious sociology, and political sociology, Weber's theories have had a profound impact on the fields of sociology, politics, and economics. more
You May Also Like
“Few are willing to put their money, or their jobs, on the line for an unconventional idea.”
“How you spend your time is more important than how much you have.”
“Some people are born to make a Point. And some to make money. No COMPARATIVE analogy exists.”
“Looks don't matter", she said. "Money does", she never said.”