Nice essay. I think it makes valid points.
I'd add one more.
To the extent that abundance, or the creation of wealth, means that a nation becomes more urban, that nation must necessarily become a nation of more regulations, more laws and less freedom. Urban life demands this, since with everyone living right on top of each other, everyone's actions are so much more likely to impact the lives of everyone else.
All modern societies are becoming predominantly urban.
Reminds me of the movie King Rat