The Pivotal Discoveries That Spurred the Agricultural Revolution and their Impact on Human Society

The transition from the hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a settled agricultural one was marked by several pivotal discoveries. Two of the most significant were the domestication of cattle and the invention of the plow, alongside the utilization of intoxicating substances like mushrooms, barley, and cannabis. These advancements fundamentally transformed human societies and facilitated the rise of complex civilizations.

The Role of Intoxicating Substances in the Agricultural Revolution

The 'Stoned Ape' theory posits that early humans, led a content existence, stumbled upon or observed animals consuming intoxicating items such as rotten fruit, fermenting stored grain, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and other substances. These experiences offered an extraordinary, non-routine sense of life, much like a party or intoxication that many humans still enjoy today.

However, the critical aspect is the seasonality of these intoxicants. Mushrooms, rotten fruit, and other natural intoxicants come and go with the seasons. This necessitated the intentional cultivation and harvesting of these substances, leading to a break from the nomadic lifestyle and towards a more settled one. The motivation and profits derived from the drug culture today are massive, indicating the early humans' desire for these intoxicating substances also played a significant role in advancing their societal structures.

The Domestication of Cattle and the Invention of the Plow

The domestication of cattle and the invention of the plow were other key factors that spurred the agricultural revolution. These innovations allowed early humans to stay in one place and farm a constant food source, rather than relying on temporary or unpredictable sowing and harvesting cycles.

Early agricultural practices involved sowing a stick crop and poking a hole to plant seeds, but this method was insufficient for sustaining a stable population. A crop, especially one that does not rely on grass, takes around ninety days to grow into a usable food source. This lengthy process necessitated trading partners to fill in the remaining food needs of a family, leading to the exchange of goods with other farmers growing different crops.

The requirement for a surplus initially to keep a family in one place led to the emergence of alsquo;filemakerrsquo; or claimant of a territory. This, in turn, implied the presence of a community with a warrior class to defend the cultivated land from outsiders. The adoption of farming a set piece of land marked a green revolution, paving the way for the development of complex societies, towns, and a more advanced social structure.

The Impact on Human Society

The combination of discovering and consuming intoxicating substances, the domestication of cattle, and the invention of the plow led to a series of cascading effects:

Mathematics and measuring techniques: The cultivation and management of crops required precise measurements, leading to the development of early mathematical concepts. Communities and written language: The need to organize and manage resources, particularly beer, spurred the development of early forms of communication and writing. Warfare: The insecurity of claimed territories drove the emergence of a warrior class, establishing the backbone of early military organizations.

Thus, the agricultural revolution was not just about food production, but about a profound transformation in human societal structures, paving the way for the intricate civilizations that followed.