Protestant Work Ethics Just Another Urban Legend Summary

The essay by Jonathan Klemens “The Protestant Work Ethics – Just Another ‘Urban Legend’” discusses work ethic as one of the most significant points in building a proper working environment and healthy relationship among the employees. On the other hand, the attitude of the employers toward their personnel is also an important issue resulting in positive outcome of the working performance. In order to have good working attitude, one needs to work with one’s passion and a good work ethic. The work ethic is playing an important role that ensures service to society and personal achievements, because it covers two working principles: responsibility and devotion. Also, Klemens believes that the intrinsic characteristics associated with the common

For example, according to Klemens, work ethic is also important to society and economy. During the period of post-WWII, capitalism stimulated the development of economy in the U.S. Due to the “fast-growing economy”, Americans were so proud of their powerful country and “hard-working” figures. Since this period, work ethic has been the most “powerful and valued American social trait”. However, one possessing a good work ethic is not enough, because one also needs to work wisely. In brief summary, in order to be a good worker, it does not matter how challenging a job is or how much time it takes to complete, but whether work entails diligence and wisdom. I agree with Klemens’ idea that “a praiseworthy work ethic” strengthens a competitive strong society. Because a work ethic consists of enthusiasm, commitment, and devotion, everyone in the society could perform best of one’s duties. Thus, everyone can benefit from others’ accomplishment, and the whole society eventually becomes more stable and

One more example of how the ethical norms and dedication are important can be found in observing the work of the doctors. For instance, my uncle is a doctor, who has to follow the complicated schedule and constant work with people. Furthermore, he has to come to work on the urgent call anytime rapidly, which means completely dedication and devotedness to the working time. As far as I hear my uncle answering the urgent call and see him rushing to the hospital, I am aware of how he values the lives of people he has to save. Once, he told me about what work ethic he believes: the earlier he arrives, the greater chance a patient can be saved. He has to devote himself to his job, because he, with good work ethic, puts the health of the patients as the highest priority and can sacrifice his personal time for work. Therefore, the work ethic, especially the devotion, contributes to a kind and responsible American social trait. In such a way, a praiseworthy work ethic contributes to the overall social