Max Weber was a German sociologist and political economist, known for his influential ideas on society and authority. He introduced concepts like the Protestant Ethic, which explored how religious beliefs can shape economic behavior. Weber's work laid the foundation for modern sociology, emphasizing the importance of understanding social actions and the meanings behind them. Weber also developed the idea of bureaucracy, describing how organizations operate through structured hierarchies and rules. His analysis of different types of authority—traditional, charismatic, and legal-rational—helped explain how power is distributed in societies. Weber's insights continue to impact social sciences today.