While trade and greed are universal human traits, the specific system of rationalized capitalism—characterized by organized free labor and systematic accounting—emerged uniquely in the West. Weber argues this wasn't due to mere "thirst for gold," but a fundamental shift in cultural values.

The Religious Spark: The "Calling"

Before the Reformation, religious life was separated from the secular world. Martin Luther broke this barrier by introducing the concept of the "Calling" (Beruf), suggesting that fulfilling one's duties in a secular profession was the highest form of moral activity. Every baker or blacksmith became a servant of God through their labor.

The Calvinist Lifestyle: Holy Discipline

In 16th-century Geneva, John Calvin implemented a lifestyle of total moral vigilance.

- The Consistory: A moral court punished vices like gambling, dancing, and "lascivious songs".

- Time as a Resource: Idleness was a "theft" from God; citizens were expected to be productive at all times.

- Radical Simplicity: Churches and homes were stripped of icons and luxury to avoid vanity and focus purely on the "Word".

Predestination and "Salvation Anxiety"

The engine of this work ethic was the doctrine of Predestination: the belief that God had already decided who was saved (the "Elect"). Because individuals could not change their fate, they faced intense anxiety. To find "proof" of their status, they looked for success in their worldly calling as a sign of divine favor.

Ideal Capitalism vs. Pre-Capitalist Tradition

Weber’s "Ideal Capitalism" differs from traditional economic behavior in six key dimensions:

- Purpose: Money is earned to fulfill a moral duty, not just to meet needs.

- Attitude: Work is an infinite pursuit, not a "enough-is-enough" task.

- Consumption: Wealth is met with moral restraint and asceticism rather than status-seeking luxury.

- Wealth Use: Profits are reinvested into the business to generate more growth rather than being spent on pleasure.

- Time: Time is viewed as linear and growth-oriented—"Time is money".

- Meaning: One's life value is measured by professional performance rather than family lineage.

The Economic Result: Capital Accumulation

This "Inner-Worldly Asceticism" created a powerful economic loop. By working hard (to prove salvation) but refusing to spend on luxury (due to religious restraint), the early Protestants were forced to accumulate capital. This surplus was funneled back into enterprises, fueling the rise of modern industrial capitalism.

The "Iron Cage"

Weber concludes with a haunting observation: the religious "spirit" that started the engine eventually evaporated. In the modern world, we no longer work to prove our salvation, yet the rigid, efficient, and competitive structures remain.

We have entered the "Iron Cage": a mechanical system where we work because the system demands it, not because we have a spiritual mission.

Efficiency and growth have become technical standards that no longer require a soul.