Not knowing much about organized religion, it was interesting to see Weber's take on Protestantism and Calvinism and their ties to the present climate of inequality. Conversely, It was great to see Weber acknowledging throughout the piece that his take isn't necessarily the 'whole story' and that there are things that lack precise clarification.
Weber makes an interesting case regarding predetermined judgement regarding heaven and hell and this being looked upon in terms of financial (capitalistic) success. This is both a theory that one could argue is valid and possibly true to today.
Many people hold the belief that 'everything happens for a reason', therefore those who are financially successful might be looked upon as superior, or 'choosen' by a higher force or power, and therefore drive more people to try and succeed in gaining more capital. If one believes capital = purity, likely much of their life will revolve around a cycle of attempting to obtain capital.
They defined the pursuit for profit was because of religious reasons/ better afterlife. It was not because of greed/ ambition. While reading Weber, I found it contradictory.. because some people profit from other people's losses. The case of Enron/ Bernie Madoff. They reaped in a lot of money because the swindled others, so when they die will they be looked highly upon in heaven....?
ReplyDeleteIn our modern world, I feel like people are so interested in gaining a profit is because they want to live luxuriously in their present life. Afterlife... isn't thought of too much anymore.