Why is Europe considered great for its achievements despite the harm it has caused?

Europe is the center for today's western civilization. Beginning with end of medieval times through the black plague Europe has been the central figure in western thought and deed. Presently, China and India are making a resurgence that will only increase over the next few hundred years and bring them into the lead for the world to envy. Only a an uncontrolled population spurt or a thermonuclear war will deter its rise.