I would argue that the Agricultural Revolution was the turning point that set humanity on its current path, for better and worse.
To be fair, life before agriculture was often harsh, but many of the problems that define civilization today, such as large-scale warfare, rigid social hierarchies, widespread inequality, organized slavery, and systemic exploitation, became possible only after humans settled down and began producing agricultural surpluses.
Regardless of what is happening in the world right now, we are living in one of the most peaceful and prosperous periods in human history. Aside from the anti-vaccination movement, which is a travesty for humanity, we have the best medicine, the highest life expectancy, and the lowest infant mortality rates in history.
That said, I suspect humans are better adapted to living in small migratory bands of hunters and gatherers than in large, sedentary urban societies. Civilization has given us extraordinary technology and material comfort, but it may have come at the cost of the social structures, physical activity, and close-knit communities that humans evolved to thrive in.
I would argue that the Agricultural Revolution was the turning point that set humanity on its current path, for better and worse.
To be fair, life before agriculture was often harsh, but many of the problems that define civilization today, such as large-scale warfare, rigid social hierarchies, widespread inequality, organized slavery, and systemic exploitation, became possible only after humans settled down and began producing agricultural surpluses.
Regardless of what is happening in the world right now, we are living in one of the most peaceful and prosperous periods in human history. Aside from the anti-vaccination movement, which is a travesty for humanity, we have the best medicine, the highest life expectancy, and the lowest infant mortality rates in history.
That said, I suspect humans are better adapted to living in small migratory bands of hunters and gatherers than in large, sedentary urban societies. Civilization has given us extraordinary technology and material comfort, but it may have come at the cost of the social structures, physical activity, and close-knit communities that humans evolved to thrive in.
Ever read Ishmael by Daniel Quinn?
Interesting book. I hate paying taxes. But don’t hate being human. You win some, you lose some.
No. But that is the name of the narrator in Moby Dick.
That’s correct …