You can play this game all day, going back and showing the ignoble social origins of what would later become dominant civilizations. But whether these “barbarians” sack cities, or hover on the periphery and trade with them, or ally with them in war or ally against them, one outcome in nearly certain: win, lose, or draw, the “barbarians” become vehicles for advanced memes. … So thank heavens for barbarians!

For more Robert Wright, see:

Creating a New Picture of War, Pixel by Pixel -- in which Decius offers the following pearl:

I've come to the conclusion that you actually want shifty, dishonest politicians elected by an apathetic populace. This means that things are working.

Contradictions of a Superpower

If China, with its 1.2 billion people, does keep up its brisk economic growth, won't the day come when it can match America's defense budget without breaking a sweat?