History seldom flows in a single, linear progression or regression. There are multiple, competing influences in the course of events everywhere. There are trends, backlashes, and backlashes to the backlashes. There are intercene fights, palace struggles, wars, and rumors of wars. There are serendipities, happy accidents, and unplanned disasters.
Life is oscillation and vibration.
Death is stasis. A static culture, no matter what it was, would be a living death. Some analysts say half the nation's current suburban shopping centers may be gone within 10 years. What the heck is Microsoft. The state of the American politick.