Thank you for this illuminating essay. I am reminded of a syllogism I once made up for my students, consisting of three quotes:

1. "Strength lies in attack, and not in defense." --Adolf Hitler.

2. HOWEVER, "Force is followed by loss of strength." --Lao Tzu

3. THEREFORE, "The meek shall inherit the Earth."

--Jesus.

One clarification: the word translated as "meek" in the KJV does not mean "weak" or "cowardly," but rather, more like "gentle and accommodating." And the research you cite confirms the validity of this syllogism.