TXZZ wrote:
> Would that mean edo period japan would be far in advance of the west?
>
> IT seems to me the historical record is, war is very good for a
> culture's health.  Japan made a far greater demographic leap in warring
> states period than in edo period.

War prompts cultural change and war/threat of war speeds technological
advancement.  Cultures that experience long periods of peacefulness
develop rich and deep cultures, but are often static or staid.

I am not sure how you are defining "healthy" cutlure here.  The rich
old cultures normally don't survive contact/conflict with a culture
that has had far more struggles.  So which is healthier?

Cultural Darwinism at work?