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Passage: Asceticism, the practice of self-denial and austerity for spiritual purposes, is often associated with the retreat from the world into monastic life. However, Max Weber identified a different form—'inner-worldly asceticism'—which he believed was central to the development of modern capitalism. In this tradition, particularly within Calvinism, the believer does not retreat from the world but seeks to prove their salvation through disciplined, methodical labor within it. Wealth was not to be spent on luxury, which was seen as sinful, but was to be continually reinvested. This created a paradox: a religious ethic that emphasized self-denial led to the unprecedented accumulation of capital. Over time, the religious motivation faded, leaving behind the 'iron cage' of a purely rationalistic and economic system. The 'paradox' mentioned refers to the fact that:

1. The 'iron cage' of capitalism eventually destroyed the religious ethic.
2. Luxurious living was the inevitable result of disciplined labor.
3. A spiritual focus on self-denial produced significant material wealth.
4. A retreat from the world actually led to greater worldly influence.

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