Rejection of luxury and extravagance from "summary" of The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Max Weber
The rejection of luxury and extravagance is a central concept in understanding the Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. This concept refers to the idea that adherents of Protestantism, particularly Calvinism, viewed material wealth as a sign of God's favor and a reward for hard work and frugality. As a result, they rejected ostentatious displays of wealth and instead embraced a simple and modest lifestyle. Calvinists believed that excessive spending on luxury goods was a distraction from one's true purpose in life, which was to glorify God through hard work and the pursuit of one's vocational calling. They saw frugality as a virtue and viewed wealth as a means to an end rather than an end in itself. This attitude towards wealth and material possessions helped shape the ethos of capitalism by encouraging savings, investment, and economic growth. The rejection of luxury and extravagance was also tied to the Calvinist belief in predestination. Calvinists believed that God had already predetermined who would be saved and who would be damned, regardless of their actions. This belief led them to focus on living a godly life and seeking signs of God's favor, such as material success. By rejecting luxury and extravagance, Calvinists could demonstrate their piety and earn salvation through their actions. In contrast to the Catholic Church, which had historically emphasized the virtues of poverty and humility, Calvinists emphasized the virtues of hard work, discipline, and self-denial. This emphasis on personal responsibility and self-discipline helped lay the groundwork for the development of capitalism by fostering a culture that valued thrift, industry, and innovation.- The rejection of luxury and extravagance was a key component of the Protestant Ethic that helped shape the spirit of capitalism. By promoting frugality, hard work, and self-discipline, Calvinists were able to create a cultural and economic environment that encouraged the accumulation of wealth and the pursuit of economic success.
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