Which of the following statements aligns with the belief fundamental to the Protestant work ethic?

The belief fundamental to the Protestant work ethic posits that worldly success is seen as a sign of personal virtue and a reward for hard work and dedication. This ethical framework emerged from Protestant Reformation ideals, particularly those of Calvinism, which linked individual achievement and material success to the notion of being favored by God. In this context, achieving financial or social success is often interpreted as an indication of one's moral integrity and salvation, reinforcing the idea that diligent and disciplined effort is not only a personal duty but also a reflection of one's faith and righteousness.

The other statements do not align with the foundational beliefs of the Protestant work ethic. The notion that all individuals are equally deserving of success or that efforts should be equally valued regardless of outcome runs counter to the emphasis on individualism and merit that characterizes this ethic. Similarly, the idea of avoiding competition in favor of community contradicts the competitive nature inherent in the work ethic, which values personal achievement and the pursuit of success through hard work.