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The philosophical underpinning of this obsession with work can be attributed to the notion of the Protestant work ethic, which evolved during the Reformation through thinkers like Martin Luther and John Calvin. Their theological beliefs helped sanctify labor, creating a societal view where hard work is synonymous with virtue and divine favor. Economic historian Max Weber explored this dichotomy in his seminal work, linking the rise of capitalism to Protestant doctrines, which subsequently shaped educational priorities and societal values towards labor.