Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes the Protestant work ethic?

a) It emphasizes the importance of hard work and diligence in achieving success.
b) It promotes the idea that wealth and material possessions are the ultimate measure of one's worth.
c) It discourages individuals from pursuing leisure activities and prioritizes work above all else.
d) It originated from the teachings of Catholicism and has no connection to Protestantism.

Answer 1

The Protestant work ethic, highlighting hard work and diligence as key to success, significantly influenced the rise of capitalism and is historically linked to Calvinist predestination.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that accurately describes the Protestant work ethic is: It emphasizes the importance of hard work and diligence in achieving success. The Protestant work ethic originated from the religious reforms associated with figures such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, contrasting with the Catholic emphasis on obedience and good deeds as pathways to salvation. This ethic became associated with Calvinist predestination, where success and material wealth could be seen as signs of divine favor. Over time, the ethic was influential in the development of capitalism, with Max Weber arguing that it encouraged personal gain through hard work.