Yes, competition tends to be bad for most individuals (who lose) but good for society. China of course started taking off recently too after capitalist reforms

Yes, competition tends to be bad for most individuals (who lose) but good for society. China of course started taking off recently too after capitalist reforms in the 80s. The US, arguably one of the most "pull-yourself-up-from-your-bootstraps" of nations has done pretty well, despite lack of social programs. And back to Europe, I do think it was held back due to the forced conformity to the Church (IMO Christianity held back European science for hundreds of years). So yes, culture is a very big current as far as steering people!