Is the 2nd amendment critical to the success of the USA

Now I'm not a gun owner albeit I come from a long line of gun owners, and I find it hypocritical to believe that one clause of the Bill of Rights takes precedent over others.

In other words, I don't think one can be against placing limitations on Religion and Press and Speech and then justify placing limitations on the ownership of fire arms.

But I wonder, is it necessary for this cowboy/gunslinger ethic to exist in order for the US to remain the innovating power it has been.

Does this "living on the edge" which grants certain power and rights to the general citizen that many civilized countries find barbaric keep the US of A pushing ahead?

There's a danger and grittiness to many of our inner cities which has spawned new forms of music throughout the history of our country.

Does the basic fact that life in the USA can be so fleeting and brief make some strive to push forward quickly before time runs out.

We are a country of thrill seekers and big bang freaks, just think of the fireworks display this 4th of July. Does some of this stem from the 2nd Amendment?