Born: 21 April 1864 · Died: 14 June 1920 · Age at death: 56
How old was Max Weber when he died?
Max Weber died aged 56. He was born on 21 April 1864 and died on 14 June 1920.
German sociologist and economist who wrote The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism and helped found modern sociology
Did you know?His wife Marianne was a prominent feminist who edited and published his major works after his death.
Quick facts
Date of birth21 April 1864
Date of death14 June 1920
Age at death56
Cause of deathPneumonia, 1918–1920 flu pandemic
NationalityGerman
BirthplaceErfurt, Germany
Occupationjurist, economist, sociologist
Editor's Take:
Max Weber helped create the discipline of sociology, the study of how societies work. In his best-known work, on the Protestant ethic and capitalism, he argued that religious ideas about hard work and thrift helped shape the rise of modern capitalism. He also analysed bureaucracy, describing how modern organisations run on rules and expertise, sometimes trapping people in an 'iron cage'. His definition of the state as the body that alone may legitimately use force is still widely quoted. Social scientists continue to use his ideas about power, authority and charisma.
Key Milestones
1894: Becomes professor at Freiburg
1905: Publishes The Protestant Ethic
1919: Gives the lecture Politics as a Vocation
1919: Advises on the Weimar Constitution
Maximilian Carl Emil Weber (German:; 21 April 1864 – 14 June 1920) was a German sociologist, historian, jurist, and political economist who was one of the central figures in the development of sociology and the social sciences more generally. His ideas continue to influence social theory and research.
Max Weber's birthday is April 21. He was born on April 21, 1864 in Erfurt, Germany.
How old was Max Weber when he died?
Max Weber died on June 14, 1920, aged 56.
Who shares a birthday with Max Weber?
Famous people who share Max Weber's April 21 birthday include Elizabeth II, Catherine II of Russia, Charlotte Brontë, Narges Mohammadi and Anthony Quinn.
