The Spirit of Capitalism - Conversation with Professor Liah Greenfeld, Part 3

Religion in Praxis Conversation Series

In this episode of the Conversations Series, a final discussion takes place with the renowned award-winning sociologist Professor Liah Greenfeld. With a host Tornike Metreveli, Liah Greenfeld discusses key arguments from Greenfeld's book, "The Spirit of Capitalism." Greenfeld delves into a central question once explored by Max Weber: What truly drives sustained economic growth? Tracing the economic consciousness across nations such as England, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Japan, and the United States, Greenfeld presents a compelling case that the force behind growth-centric economies is not mere rational economic action, but the profound influence of nationalism. This insatiable quest for national prestige becomes the catalyst for economic competitiveness. Taking the U.S. as a case in point, Greenfeld illustrates how economic advancement has become almost indistinguishable from national pride. This conflation, while spurring relentless economic achievement, also creates a society of workaholics questioning their relentless pursuits and, at times, misguiding foreign policy objectives.

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Music for the Conversation Series is generously provided by the Shavnabada Choir . The project author and the host of the Conversation Series is Dr. Tornike Metreveli.

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Religion and Theology is produced by Joel Kuhlin for the Center for Theology and Religious Studies. If you have comments or critique of this episode, or any other episodes of R&T, please contact us via the podcast's twitteraccount: @reloteol.