Farming?

I have been watching the “History of Ancient Britain” and I have come to the conclusion that the root of all evil is... Farming!

I would seem, that prior to farming we were hunter-gatherers. We pitted our wit against our prey, and used our skills to forage. We were close to nature and lived in small communities.

Enter the farmers. First off, they have to get rid of the nasty woodlands so space can be made for the fields – the beginnings of deforestation

Second, the grain, once harvested, had to be ground.  This was back-breaking, tedious work, inevitably left for the women to do – Exploitation begins.

As more food is produced, families begin to grow – Population explosion.

As the population expands, more land is hi-jacked for farming, until eventually there is competition for the remaining resources and conflict ensues – War...

In the meantime, social roles are created with these new communities and hierarchy develop. Eventually, priests and spiritual leaders make an appearance and so begin bigotry and intolerance. Leaders and their henchmen consolidate their power over other people by creating hereditary castes and ranks and so introducing social injustice.

All you have to do is have a gander across the pond and see the impact of farmers on the indigenous population there.

No, we were far happier and healthier as semi-nomadic hunters.