The Protestant Ethic

I found Weber's reading for this weekend to be relevant to our modern society. His concept of the "spirit of capitalism" is based upon both historical and religious factors. It suggests that the entrepreneur or the capitalist pursue his "calling" and can feel a sense of moral solidarity in achieving success in the professional life. Weber both criticizes and supports different aspects of this, but what I found to be intriguing is the idea that economic pursuits can bring fulfillment to one's morality. Especially in our society today, the drive for economic success is extremely strong and at times, can result in immoral actions to achieve this.

I wonder what Weber's ideal entrepreneur would be like today and if it would even be possible to say that he was pursuing a "calling"? What is the modern day push for success if not religion? Weber writes, "Few people are sufficiently clear-sighted to be aware of the unusual strength of character that is required from this "new type" of entrepreneur if he is not to lose his sober self-control and face moral and economic shipwreck" (22). It is possible that as religious convictions begin to decrease in our modern life, our morals do as well. It may not be the direct cause, but could be part of the influence.