Violence and war have also driven technological and artistic progress. I don't think that makes them good. I also think you're confusing "did contribute to the

Violence and war have also driven technological and artistic progress. I don't think that makes them good. I also think you're confusing "did contribute to the creation of" and "was the only possibly way we could get". E.g., it's true that early cellphones were status goods. But given the massive market for them today, it's clear that was not a necessary step toward their existence and perfection.