Economic life in the modern age

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Werner Sombart (1863-1941) was a prominent and controversial social scientist in early twentieth-century Germany, whose significant contributions have been overshadowed by his later alignment with National Socialism. His extensive body of work has elicited mixed reactions both in Germany and internationally. Sombart's writings reflect his engagement with the social and political changes of his time. This volume presents key selections from his enduring work, beginning with an introduction that outlines his life, intellectual evolution, connections to Marx and Weber, and his political stance. The curated texts highlight Sombart's economic and cultural insights, particularly relevant to interdisciplinary studies of culture and economics. His essays on capitalism examine the market system's nature, origins, and the varied motivations of the bourgeoisie and proletariat. Notably, it includes an excerpt from his contentious work on the relationship between Judaism and modern capitalism. Additionally, Sombart's expansive cultural science offers insights into urbanism, luxury, fashion, and the secularization of love. The final section addresses technology's social impacts, the future of economic life, and socialism, featuring the influential essay on the absence of socialism in the U.S. This collection underscores Sombart's nuanced understanding of cultural distinctions and trends, appealing to sociologists, economists, political scie