"The greed of limitless gain does not imply capitalism, much less his" mind. "Capitalism rather identify with domination, at least with rational moderation of this irrational impulse. But While capitalism is identical to the profit of a constantly renewed profit in a company continues, rational and capitalist - it's search for profitability. "
Capitalism was born from the rise of the bourgeoisie in the West and particularly the development of science and technology. But industrialization, factories, longer correspond to provisions Protestant and Catholic. "The Protestants have shown any special provision for economic rationalism, they are the dominant layer or the layer dominated." Catholic companions have meanwhile expressed more interest in the development of handicrafts.
To what deep reasons operates this distinction will constitute the spirit of capitalism?
Criticizing Benjamin Franklin, Max Weber understands that Yankee profession of faith is based on a philosophy of avarice which states that "everyone's duty is to increase its capital" - this postulated as an end in itself.
What the reform will be managed to achieve this is to "estimate that the duty is accomplished in temporal affairs, that moral activity is the highest that man can be assigned down here - that undisputed fact absolutely new. Inevitably, daily activity and took on religious significance, hence the sense of vocation that takes the concept (Lutheran) of Beruf. "
The spirit of capitalism is eminently Protestant according to the author, which reviews the different currents of the Reformation.
"The eternal rest of the saints has its seat him in the beyond; on earth, man has to ensure his salvation" to the task of Him who sent, as long as the day lasts " [John ix, 4]. It is neither laziness nor enjoyment, but only activity serves to increase the glory of God, according to the unequivocal manifestation of his will. "
The spirit of capitalism is an asceticism: "Time is precious, infinitely because every hour lost is subtracted from the work that contributes to the glory of God."
This clarity of book develops a brilliant and relevant analysis. Its boundaries are those including:
- A passage too fast on the establishment of the bank by the Venice Catholic: what finance does not she participate in the essence of capitalism?
- The lack of reference to the Jewish world,
- Moreover, how trade (practiced by every religion), could it not claim to have taken part in the construction of capitalism?
- Finally, the development of capitalist farms in France in the nineteenth century (Braudel) is completely ignored - the author focusing on the industrial world and therefore urban.
Max Weber wrote a key book that is the basis for a rich reflection on the spirit of capitalism.
