[tornadofart]

Author here.

I do not think at all that individual self-interest is our only motor. I'm saying we underestimate the extent to which it motivates us. I should probably clarify that.

My view of China is informed by my months-long stay there during the pandemic (among other stays but that was the most ... uh... impressive one). It is my only direct experience with autocracy and I assure you it was scary as heck. Make of that what you will.

And I'm European.

[watwut]

China has super rich class and is able to build very fast. It has also very poor parts where they cant do all that much.

China has quite developed competitive science and industry. It is very competitive internally - sometimes more free market then America (which tends to create winner takes all systems with less actual competition).