Sublime

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Where freedom is real, equality is the passion of the masses. Where equality is real, freedom is the passion of a small minority. Equality without freedom creates a more stable social pattern than freedom without equality.

Economic systems differ along multiple dimensions, including the extent to which we rely on markets and how they are regulated, the balance of private and public ownership, the level of taxation and the role of the state in providing public services.

Now naturally the whole ascetic literature of almost all denominations is saturated with the idea that faithful labour, even at low wages, on the part of those whom life offers no other opportunities, is highly pleasing to God. In this respect Protestant Asceticism added in itself nothing new. But it not only deepened this idea most powerfully, it

The form of organization was in every respect capitalistic; the entrepreneur’s activity was of a purely business character; the use of capital, turned over in the business, was indispensable; and finally, the objective aspect of the economic process, the book-keeping, was rational. But it was traditionalistic business, if one considers the spirit w

Max Weber summarizes the shift, saying that the way to honor God, “was not to surpass worldly morality in monastic asceticism, but solely through the fulfillment of the obligations imposed upon the individual by his position in the world. That was his calling.”22

elites would be the expectation because it produced a dependable and stable environment in which commerce could thrive. This was not done in order to make money but rather was the environment to work out your salvation, diligently giving every minute to God.

the most competent are also the least objective, because the most competent tend to be the most specialized, with a small potential set of employers they are afraid to alienate. This problem creates a detachment between ordinary people and experts, which fuels mistrust.

A man without a calling thus lacks the systematic, methodical character which is, as we have seen, demanded by worldly asceticism.