You have only two ways to live

1) You can make things you need to survive, or you
can trade for them.

2) Or you can take them through force/deception,
or get what you want from someone who does that for
you.

In an area where No. 1 predominates, you can expect,
at minimum, a decent and relatively easy living.

Where No. 2 predominates, you can expect at least
an increasing improverishment as the people in No.
1 protect what they have, leave or join the second
group until there's nothing left worth stealing;
A Dark Age.

Make your choice.

All else is irrelevant.

Think about it.

Now tell me it ain't so.