Two Contradictory Puritan Work Ethics

The work ethic invented by mid-17th-century English Puritan ministers contained two contradictory strands held by the same people: one ascetic view treating relentless labor as discipline against sin and proof of salvation (which capitalists could exploit to justify low-wage subjection), and one sanctifying view treating socially necessary work as performing God's will, which demanded that even menial workers be honored, paid decently, and given safe, dignified conditions.