By Aleksey Bashtavenko

Academic Composition

Max Weber’s “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism” provides a foundational understanding of how the Protestant work ethic has shaped American society. This ethic has not only driven economic success but also fostered a culture of wild enthusiasm and extreme views. This phenomenon is evident in the polarization of American politics, the dynamic nature of American business, the education system, and political activism. The drive to appear more extreme and enthusiastic than others stems from the sectarian roots of American Protestantism, where members must continuously prove their sincerity and commitment to their peers.

In American business, the Protestant Ethic has instilled a culture that highly values not only competence but also high spirits, energy, and dynamism. This enthusiasm is evident in everyday customer interactions and corporate settings. For instance, when a customer walks into McDonald’s, they expect to be greeted warmly by a representative who serves them quickly and with immense pleasure. This emphasis on enthusiasm and positive energy is a direct reflection of the sectarian values that prioritize sincerity and passion in one’s work.

American executives often carry this enthusiastic demeanor into international settings, sometimes leading to cultural misunderstandings. For example, an American businessperson might greet their foreign colleagues with statements like, “It is an enormous pleasure to be with you today! I love how I got to meet all of you, and I am absolutely thrilled to be managing this meeting.” While intended to convey enthusiasm and genuine interest, such statements can come off as pompous, condescending, and insincere to foreign colleagues. This disconnect arises from the American cultural attachment to work and the need to demonstrate utmost enthusiasm—a characteristic deeply rooted in the Protestant Ethic.

The American education system also reflects this culture of wild enthusiasm. From a young age, students are taught to express enthusiasm and loyalty to their school. It is common for middle school students to be ushered into crowded auditoriums to learn how to cheer for their school and to believe it is the best ever. This enthusiasm training is modeled on the Protestant sectarian model, where sincerity and passion are paramount.

In higher education, this culture extends to the emphasis on activism. Universities are often seen as training grounds for activists rather than scholars or citizens of a republic. The Protestant Ethic’s influence is evident in the way students are encouraged to engage in social justice causes with missionary zeal. The central presupposition of wokeness—that one must not only be non-racist or non-sexist but actively anti-racist and anti-sexist—exemplifies this drive. It is never enough to merely do the right thing; one must do it with such enthusiasm that even the most obdurate cynics cannot question the sincerity of the commitment.

The Protestant Ethic’s influence on American society has also contributed to extreme political polarization. In a culture where individuals are driven to prove their sincerity and commitment, Americans often go out of their way to appear more extreme in their views than they might otherwise be. This is evident in the constant competition among Americans to show who is more radical or enthusiastic about their political beliefs.

Bill Bishop’s “The Big Sort” describes the phenomenon of self-selection and voluntary segregation, where Americans increasingly surround themselves with like-minded individuals. This tendency to form small, homogeneous groups mirrors the sectarian orientation Weber described. Within these groups, expressing dissent or moderate views can lead to ostracism. To avoid this, individuals often adopt more extreme positions to demonstrate their loyalty and commitment to the group’s values.

This dynamic is exacerbated by modern technology and social media, which create virtual echo chambers. Social media platforms prioritize content that aligns with users’ preferences, reinforcing existing beliefs and values. This digital segregation deepens societal divisions and reduces opportunities for meaningful dialogue. As a result, Americans become more polarized, each faction striving to outdo the other in demonstrating their enthusiasm and commitment to their cause.

The non-profit sector in America also reflects this culture of wild enthusiasm. Non-profit organizations often emphasize accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes, driven by the need to demonstrate their effectiveness to donors and stakeholders. This meritocratic spirit, rooted in the Protestant Ethic, creates a competitive environment where organizations strive to prove their worth not just through their actions but through their passionate commitment to their mission.

This emphasis on enthusiasm and peer approval can drive non-profits to innovate and improve their services continually. However, it also creates pressure to prioritize short-term, quantifiable results over long-term, qualitative goals. The drive to appear enthusiastic and committed can sometimes overshadow the actual impact of the organization’s work, mirroring the challenges faced in the business and political arenas.

The Protestant Ethic, as described by Max Weber, continues to profoundly influence American society. Its emphasis on hard work, meritocracy, and sincere commitment has fostered a culture of wild enthusiasm and extreme views. This culture is evident in the dynamic nature of American business, the education system’s emphasis on enthusiasm training, the extreme polarization of political activism, and the competitive environment of the non-profit sector.

While this culture of enthusiasm and extremity can drive innovation and productivity, it also poses significant challenges. It creates pressure to continuously prove one’s sincerity and commitment, leading to burnout, ethical lapses, and deep societal divisions. Understanding the roots of this culture in the Protestant Ethic and the sectarian nature of American Protestantism can help us navigate these complexities and work towards a more balanced and inclusive society.

In recognizing these dynamics, American institutions can strive to foster genuine dialogue, collaboration, and a more nuanced understanding of commitment and enthusiasm. By acknowledging the influence of the Protestant Ethic, we can better address the challenges of polarization and work towards a more cohesive and resilient society.