Neolithic Revolution: Good or Bad?

The Neolithic Revolution was probably the most influential and positive occurrence in human history. Much of what defines society today was first born in the Neolithic Revolution and one could go so far as to say that it was during this revolution that the very definition of civilization was born.

One of the most important changes was the disappearance of Neolithic man’s nomadic lifestyle. The development of basic agriculture enabled Neolithic humans to obtain a steady supply of food, thus eliminating the need to migrate from place to place. After settling, it also became possible to domesticate herd animals (the dog had already been domesticated) and raise livestock. This made obtaining food a much easier task and was directly responsible for the development of religion and trade. Before, nomadic man’s main concern was whether he could eat enough to get full, and the struggle continued the next day. It is only when they had enough food did Neolithic humans have the time and energy to develop arts and religion, two of the most important things in society. Trade in trinkets such as seashells would also only have developed when man’s basic needs were met—pretty pieces of rock are worth much less if you're constantly worried about starving to death.

 Finally, with the problem of food taken care of, people could choose to specialize in other areas such as medicine or hut-making and advance their skills. Social classes would have resulted from this—learning primitive medicine would make you much more important than a regular farmer. So the Neolithic Revolution spawned agriculture, domestication, trade, religion, and social classes, all of which are crucial to the development of a proper civilization. Ultimately, it was a very positive and influential occurrence.