Re: Was agriculture a mistake?

From: Mike Lorrey (mlorrey@datamann.com)
Date: Wed Apr 03 2002 - 17:06:56 MST


Jacques Du Pasquier wrote:
> >
> The problem I see (apart from the fact that many external problems
> could prevent anyone to do this) is that the conjunction of our
> unchanged desires and of the availability of technology will keep
> pushing us to exit this lifestyle at many occasions. Say, we will be
> lazy(1), and we will want a nice cozy home to read books and play with
> the computer instead of chasing the beasts in the mud -- something we
> may be designed to do, but that we also HAD TO do in the ancestral
> environment. Just knowing that this is the environment we are made for
> won't be enough to keep us there in the long run, even with a life
> made better by technology -- so the disadaptation process will
> reoccur.

Oh, certainly, but in such situations, you'd be externalizing your
caloric production onto the environment and fellow man, thus incurring
opportunity taxes.

>
> On the other hand if we DO change ourselves (which your flavor of
> technology seems to suggest), then I don't see why we would want to go
> back to hunting-gathering, except as one of many possible lifestyles.

Yes, one of many possible lifestyles. And the vegans will finally get
one-upped as photosynthesizing huntergatherers protest the unethical
consumption of plant life forms (after all, since plants can appreciate
music, they must be 'sentient', right?)

>
> (1) Do you practice the sport that you intended to practice by the
> way? (just a friendly reminder, that I'm sending to myself at the same
> time, please don't take offence)

Do I hunt and fish? Yes, I do.



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