Max Weber, who is not only the founder of modern sociology, but also a giant of thought, has made contributions far beyond the field of sociology, involving philosophy, economics, politics, history and other fields. In his 56 years of life, he left behind a large number of books, each of which is a profound reflection and insight into modern society.
Weber believed that modern society has four essential characteristics, each of which reveals the profound changes that human society is facing in the process of modernization.
First of all, he pointed out that modern society is a disenchanted society. The ancients believed that all things were animistic and that the universe was full of mysticism. However, with the rise of scientific rationality, people began to explain the world with rational thinking. Weber summed up this change with the term "disenchantment", noting that the rise of science has led to a fundamental change in the way people began to see the world, moving away from relying on occult and supernatural explanations.
Secondly, modern society is a society that believes in the "battle of the gods". With the decline of religion, people's values began to diversify, leading to various value conflicts. Everyone has their own beliefs and values, and these values often clash with each other. Weber called it the belief "battle of the gods," and this pluralistic set of values led to social instability and **.
Third, modern society is a society of "bureaucratic organizations". With the process of industrialization and modernization, society has become more and more complex, and people have come to rely on organizations and rules to manage society. Weber pointed out that modern society works like a bureaucratic organization, where everyone is placed in a specific position and acts according to rules and procedures.
Finally, modern society is a "steel cage" society. Although modern society has brought prosperity and progress to mankind, it has also put people in an iron cage-like bondage. People are becoming more and more dependent on organizations and rules, while individual freedom and creativity are restricted. Weber warns that despite the many conveniences that modern society has brought us, there is also a need to be vigilant against the impact on the human spirit and personality.