<P> After defining the "spirit of capitalism," Weber argues that there are many reasons to find its origins in the religious ideas of the Reformation . Many others like William Petty, Montesquieu, Henry Thomas Buckle, John Keats have noted the affinity between Protestantism and the development of commercialism . </P> <P> Weber shows that certain branches of Protestantism had supported worldly activities dedicated to economic gain, seeing them as endowed with moral and spiritual significance . This recognition was not a goal in itself; rather they were a byproduct of other doctrines of faith that encouraged planning, hard work and self - denial in the pursuit of worldly riches . </P> <P> Weber traced the origins of the Protestant ethic to the Reformation, though he acknowledged some respect for secular everyday labor as early as the Middle Ages . The Roman Catholic Church assured salvation to individuals who accepted the church's sacraments and submitted to the clerical authority . However, the Reformation had effectively removed such assurances . From a psychological viewpoint, the average person had difficulty adjusting to this new worldview, and only the most devout believers or "religious geniuses" within Protestantism, such as Martin Luther, were able to make this adjustment, according to Weber . </P> <P> In the absence of such assurances from religious authority, Weber argued that Protestants began to look for other "signs" that they were saved . Calvin and his followers taught a doctrine of double predestination, in which from the beginning God chose some people for salvation and others for damnation . The inability to influence one's own salvation presented a very difficult problem for Calvin's followers . It became an absolute duty to believe that one was chosen for salvation, and to dispel any doubt about that: lack of self - confidence was evidence of insufficient faith and a sign of damnation . So, self - confidence took the place of priestly assurance of God's grace . </P>

Capitalism/protestant ethic = hard work is rewarded