Max Weber and the origins of capitalism

¶ … Max Weber's book "THE PROTESTANT ETHIC AND THE SPIRIT OF CAPITALISM," "The Spirit of Capitalism," addresses a series of factors that come together in forming the idea representing the economic system. Weber uses an excerpt written by Benjamin Franklin in an attempt to provide more information concerning the concept as seen from the perspective of one of the most important individuals in the history of capitalism. Franklin goes at emphasizing the role that money play in making people wealthier. He addresses ideas involving time being equivalent to finances, credit being money, and money being essential in producing more money.

Modern capitalism promotes the idea that people need to raise as much money as they possibly can, as this is apparently one of their principal duties as members of a capitalist economic system. Weber's use of Franklin's excerpt is generally meant to put across information with regard to how a person would have to employ ethical behavior when working with finances, as this is one of the most effective methods to keep one's resources and to even gather more.

Evidence

Weber brings on a series of logical arguments with the purpose of having his readers understand exactly why it is important for them to take on attitudes that are likely to increase their profits. Furthermore, the writer describes the idea of earning money as being a goal by itself, as it is not simply meant to assist individuals in buying products or services. From his point-of-view, the core of capitalism is to help people increase their profits rather than to help them spend money.

When considering the second chapter in the book, it gradually becomes clear that Weber provides information concerning some of the most important concepts in capitalism in an attempt to demonstrate that this economic system practically represents human thinking in general. The theory of evolution is somewhat similar to capitalist principles, as they promote the idea that the strongest survive while the others are doomed to suffer on account of their failure to integrate and to act in accordance with laws that would make it easier for them to survive.

Logical implications of the theme for the concept "development"

Although it is relatively similar to some traditional ideas in society, capitalism also encountered several impediments because of traditionalism through the ages. Many people felt satisfied knowing that they made just enough resources to care for themselves and their families and this meant that financial progress is not as appealing as some might think.