[awb]

Reading between the lines I’m sure he meant that they could study those arts in addition to those fundamental studies listed prior.

A nation devoted to poetry and porcelain isn’t sustainable.

And certainly he must have been aware of how cyclical history is versus a linear march towards artistic pursuits. The US since it’s inception has been involved in a significant war in nearly every decade. Post-Vietnam through the 1st Iraq war was one of the rare periods where a US citizen could have been of military age without a major hot war. Although the Cold War certainly brought it’s own level of fear.

[anonymouskimmer]

Switzerland has been war free in 171 of the last 176 years. It can be done, just not if you plan on being a major power.

[awb]

Geography helps too. But they have an army and mandated military service, so regarding the Adam’s quote they still practice those 1st level topics.

Costa Rica is the largest country I know of that has no military.

[red-iron-pine]

And friendly neighbors. France, Germany, Italy, and others have been willing to play ball. Geography simply changes the equation; fruit ain't worth the squeeze.