The Protestant work ethic, brought to America by early Puritans and other settlers, reinforced the idea that hard work and economic success are signs of divine favor. This theological perspective aligns closely with capitalist ideals, suggesting that market success is a reflection of personal virtue and effort. Consequently, prices determined by the market are perceived as just rewards for one’s labor and entrepreneurial skill, rather than as fixed, objective values.
Willy asks Howard
In Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman, a struggling salesman, meets with his boss, Howard Wagner, to ask for a stable position in New York rather than continuing to travel. Willy tries to appeal to Howard’s sense of loyalty and decency, but Howard remains unmoved, focused solely on financial metrics.
Howard embodies a purely transactional, numbers-driven approach. He ignores Willy’s emotional appeals and repeatedly brings the conversation back to business metrics and profitability. Howard’s emphasis on facts, figures, and bottom-line results reflects the American business culture, where personal relationships and sentimentality are secondary to financial performance.