Up to Medieval Times. Then they got crushed by the Europeans.
“Up to Medieval Times. Then they got crushed by the Europeans. “
Depends on what perspective one sees as “crushed”. These cultures only lagged behind at that period because they held tradition and ceremony as much more important than haste, laziness, and greed like European cultures.
It still takes far eastern cultures an hour just to serve tea because time honored tradition and ceremony are more important than anything else. Just as it has been for hundreds of years.
Until western cultures influenced them they had no reason to practice selfish values. Until recently they were not in a hurry or glutenous. Doing the job right was more important than than how fast it got done. Perpetually trying to save time, labor, and cut corners has brought us the mess we have now.
Just look at what we have done to ourselves because of our values... Are we actually smarter? Depends on perspective.