Read History with Jack 12 The Agricultural Revolution

   Homo sapiens have been foragers for 2.5 million years. About 70,000 years ago, a gene mutation occurred which allowed humans to suddenly spring to the top of the food chain. About 12,000 years ago, humans started to domesticate animals and plants. This, in turn, was known as the Agricultural Revolution.

   Ancient agriculture lasted for about 11,500 years. During this period of time, life was not easy for Homo sapiens. As the ancient agricultural societies’ populations grew, they suffered from malnutrition, and they were compelled to work hard. In addition, disease became prevalent due to domestication of animals and dense population. Economic security and human violence for land and possessions were also the cause of much stress, and sometimes death. Moreover, humans thought about the future too much so, and the pace of life accelerated.

   However, all this changed about 250 years ago. Secular academia in the Renaissance opened the door of the Scientific Revolution. Machinery superseded manual labor; fertilizer and insecticides were invented to help the farmers. Food was no longer so much of a problem, and now people would be able to defend themselves against locust swarms or rabbits that could harm their crops. People could had an easier and more relaxed lifestyle than before. Abundant food meant that the population would grow steadily. Also, without the need to labor all day in the scorching sun, farmers could do other things and activities such as writing, learning, or simply chatting with friends. More people could be civilized and become useful talents for the country. Therefore, from this point onward, the Agricultural Revolution really became worth it. Life expectancy was longer because farmers did not need to work with plants; there were definitely freer since farmers did not need to work a lot; presumptive happiness could also be achieved and enjoyed by farmers.

Taking a modern America farmer, for example: with the help of machines and chemical substances, he can plant in the spring and wait for harvest in the autumn without laboring daily. He can read some books, play with his children, or write a journal. Most of the work can be done efficiently with tractors and other machinery. He can live up to 80 years and have an enriched life. In his life, he engaged in many spiritual activities and likely enjoyed presumptive happiness which would make his life fun. In the future, as the technology of agriculture advances globally, farmers’ lives will be better.

   From what has been discussed above, we can safely draw a conclusion that the Agricultural Revolution only really became worth it after the beginning of the Scientific Revolution. As society and technology developed, the less time farmers spent on the fields so they could take time to receive a good education and contribute some ideas to make the world a better place. The future that awaits us is full of hope!