UTC The Worst Mistake in the History of the Human Race Article Discussion

. After reading Diamond’s article, answer the following questions in a discussion post and then respond to one other student post.

According to Jared Diamond, what is the worst mistake in the history of the human race? Identify three reasons why is he so critical.

According to the article, are hunting and gathering diets or agricultural diets healthier? Explain why.

1. The Myth of Leisure Time refers to a widespread assumption that agricultural societies have more leisure time because an agricultural surplus frees individuals from production. What data does Diamond provide to refute the idea that agricultural societies have it both easier and better than hunting and gathering societies?
2. How did the overall health of Native American populations change following European contact? Identify three lines of evidence to suggest that the health of Native Americans either improved or declined following a shift to intensive agriculture.
3. Diamond’s article focuses on one primary facet of agriculture – that it is associated with social inequality. Do you agree with his idea that agricultural production was the worst mistake in the history of the human race? Moreover, whether you agree or disagree, why would this article be important to read?