[mlocher]

however a society with a certain amount of angst and suffering and struggles is a society that prospers and advances at a slightly faster pace.

I agree. The phenomenon you describe applies to people, corporations and societies. Some sociologists call it "creative tension."

Your point is that too much homogeneity does not foster enough creative tension to move it forward quickly.

[mamelukesabre]

There ya go.

I think we are probably past the peak already...starting on the downward slope towards unmanageable chaos. But that’s my opinion.