Discuss Weber's explanation of why capitalism thrived in Protestant countries bu

Protestants embraced change in the social structure because of the Calvinist ideology of predestination. Based on this ideology, it was believed that before birth, people were destined for either heaven or hell and they did not know their destiny until death. But this concept produced anxiety for Protestants and they looked for a "sign" that they were chosen for heaven. This sign became the visible success in life characterized by hard work, investments, and the accumulation of wealth. Excess money was invested to make more money, thus increasing the "sign" that someone was saved. The investment strategy led to capitalism. Catholics, unlike Protestants, embraced the traditional methods of understanding the world and resisted change. They emphasized dedication to family, church, and king. Accepting one's lot in life and remaining rooted in the social structure discouraged the capitalist philosophy embraced by Protestants.