The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism

by Max Weber · 2002

First published in 1904, this seminal work of sociology examines the cultural and religious origins of modern capitalism in the West. Weber argues that the 'Protestant ethic'—specifically the ascetic values found in certain Protestant branches—provided a foundational 'frame of mind' that encouraged the development of capitalist systems. The book remains a central text in social science, exploring how these historical religious influences continue to shape attitudes toward work, economic behavior, and professional life in contemporary Western society.