The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism · Chapter
Endnotes explained
This chapter consists of endnotes that provide additional commentary, citations, and clarifications to the main text.
What happens
This chapter consists of endnotes that provide additional commentary, citations, and clarifications to the main text. The notes address various aspects of ascetic Protestantism, its economic ethics, and the relationship between religious doctrines and capitalist behavior. They also engage with critiques from other scholars and elaborate on specific historical and theological points.
Themes in this chapter
Asceticism and Worldly Conduct
The endnotes elaborate on how ascetic Protestantism, despite its anti-mammonistic doctrines, gave birth to economic rationalism by placing a premium on ascetic rational motives.
The Calling and Duty
The notes discuss the Puritan concept of the calling, emphasizing work as a moral end and the duty to one's calling as a categorical imperative.
Economic Traditionalism vs. Modern Capitalism
Weber contrasts traditional economic attitudes with the modern capitalist spirit, referencing the condemnation of usury and the pursuit of wealth in Puritan and Reformed traditions.
Rationalization and Disenchantment
The notes touch on the rationalization of economic life and the disenchantment of the world through ascetic Protestantism, as seen in the rejection of magic and the emphasis on systematic work.
Characters to notice
- Richard Baxter
Baxter's works are frequently cited, particularly his 'Saints' Everlasting Rest' and 'Christian Directory', to illustrate Puritan views on wealth, work, and the calling.
- Robert Barclay
Barclay's 'Apology for the True Christian Divinity' is referenced regarding Quaker teachings on separation and the proper use of callings.
- Werner Sombart
Sombart is mentioned as a critic who, along with Brentano, misinterprets Baxter's doctrines, according to Weber.
- Lujo Brentano
Brentano is criticized for his view that the development of ascetic Protestantism was purely Anglo-Saxon and for his misinterpretation of Baxter.
- Eduard Bernstein
Bernstein's work is praised for its excellent remarks on asceticism as a bourgeois virtue, which Weber acknowledges as influential.
- Gijsbert Voet
Voet is mentioned as a continental representative of worldly asceticism, with his writings on usury and economic ethics cited.
- Thomas Adams
Adams is quoted on the distinction between civil and religious conduct, illustrating Puritan formalism.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Goethe's 'Faust' is referenced in a note, with Weber adapting a line about the spirit that always wills evil but creates good.
Key passages
“In civil actions it is good to be as the many, in religious to be as the best.”
In secular matters, it is acceptable to follow the majority, but in religious matters, one should follow the most virtuous.
This quote from Thomas Adams illustrates the Puritan distinction between formal legality in civil affairs and strict morality in religious life.
“It is for action that God maintaineth us and our activities; work is the moral as well as the natural end of power.”
God sustains us for action, and work is both the moral and natural purpose of our abilities.
Baxter's statement underscores the Puritan emphasis on work as a divine duty, linking it to the utilitarian transition.
“Asceticism is a bourgeois virtue.”
Asceticism is a virtue characteristic of the middle class.
Weber credits Eduard Bernstein with this insight, which highlights the connection between asceticism and capital accumulation.
