but at a cost
Your claim was that it "remains to be seen" (whether agriculture turned out pretty well). I don't think it stands. Everything has a cost.
I am aware of the Jared Diamond arguments, but note that they are based on comparison between ancient hunter-gatherers and ancient farmers. Contemporary agriculture is a wee bit different -- in particular, note the diversity of food it provides, as well as its ability to deliver food out of local season.
If it's worth saying, but not worth its own post (even in Discussion), then it goes here.
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