Confucianism and Puritanism are mutually exclusive types of rational thought, each attempting to prescribe a way of life based on religious dogma.
Notably, they both valued self-control and restraint and did not oppose accumulation of wealth.
However their goal was different: Confucianism's goal was "a cultured status position", while Puritanism's goal was to create individuals who are "tools of God".
The intensity of belief and enthusiasm for action were rare in Confucianism, but common in Protestantism. This contributed to the development of capitalism in the West and the absence of it in China.
Hinduism in India was a barrier for capitalism. The Indian caste system made it very difficult for individuals to advance in the society beyond their caste.
Meaning of life as otherworldly mystical experience. The social world is fundamentally divided between the educated elite, following the guidance of a prophet or wise man and the uneducated masses whose beliefs are centered on magic. Reaching to the educated elites and enlightening them on the proper ways to live one's life, usually with little emphasis on hard work and the material world.
Judaism not only fathered Christianity and Islam, but was crucial to the rise of the modern Occidental state; Judaism's influence was as important as Hellenistic and Roman cultures. Innerworldly asceticism developed by Western Christianity with mystical contemplation of the kind developed in India some aspects of Christianity sought to conquer and change the world, rather than withdraw from its imperfections.This fundamental characteristic of Christianity (when compared to Far Eastern religions) stems originally from ancient Jewish prophecy
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