Davos celebration of capitalism: Change or repent at our leisure

A generation or two ago, when the threat of purgatory or limbo carried more weight, the renewing process of self-restraint, abstention, and repentance was recognised and celebrated.

Most religions had a cleansing process. In many Christian traditions, it began on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Just as the old gods are less celebrated today, these ceremonies are not as central as before. Nevertheless, just like the old gods, they have been replaced in a general, catchall way that still speaks to the idea of social justice — or social conscience, as it was in the old gods’ time.