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Max Weber was not the first to point out the Calvinist
part in the development of a capitalist spirit. Sombart also took the step, which Weber never chose to, namely saying that Calvinism even helped capitalism, not only its spirit.
Some have claimed that the Capitalist spirit
evolved earlier, for example already in the Florentine and Venetian renaissance.
It seems, however, as if most claimed
capitalists in northern Italy
did not take part in a
capitalist spirit. They were much more
fond of generously spending, than
in a puritan fashion relentlessly
saving. Most of these merchants did neither show any conspicuous signs of individualism, can not
be traced. One question to be answered,
is if the evolution of capitalism
still is guided by a Puritan ethic.
By all means, the ever-lasting
striving for wealth has lost its religious
and ethical gist. The willingness
of individuals to spend their time in work, is not governed by a sense of moral or religious
duty. |
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