1. Agriculture – Really?

Some critics argue that transitioning from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to agriculture was a detrimental shift. While we gained reliable food sources and settled communities, we may have sacrificed our leisure and carefree lifestyles.

Renowned anthropologist Jared Diamond has provocatively labeled agriculture as "the worst mistake in the history of the human race."

Chris Ryan, known for his book Sex at Dawn, supports this view, suggesting that our foray into agriculture 10,000 years ago—a change that led to urbanization, legal systems, governments, social hierarchies, and even restaurants—was a significant error.

The idea isn’t entirely novel. Although National Geographic wasn’t around in the 18th century, French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau spoke of the "noble savage," who he believed was initially happy and virtuous before civilization introduced towns, laws, and the complexities of modern life.

Evidence still supports the hunter-gatherer way of living. Groups like the San of the Kalahari, the Hadza of Tanzania, and the Yanomami of the Amazon have maintained their traditional lifestyles for thousands of years.

These communities work far less than the average modern individual, engage in more recreational activities, and do not experience poverty as they generously share their limited possessions. They collaboratively raise children and keep life exciting by frequently relocating.

Most notably, scientists have found that these tribes report higher levels of happiness than the average modern person.

In the classic 1980 film The Gods Must Be Crazy, a bushman from the Kalahari is depicted as bewildered by the absurdities of modern society. He ultimately chooses to reject technology and continue living a simpler, more joyful existence among his fellow hunter-gatherers.

2. The Automobile

Were personal vehicles—a source of urban congestion and environmental pollution—an unavoidable technological advancement for humanity?

Not at all, especially in the U.S., which is often regarded as the epicenter of car culture, as noted by Stephen Sovie. At their inception, American cities could have embraced a more balanced urban design, incorporating walkways, public squares, mass transit, and denser residential areas.

In contrast, the adoption of cars among families in Europe was much slower due to the denser urban layout that favored public transportation and a cultural tendency toward less individualism. Displaying wealth through flashy vehicles is notably less common in Europe compared to other regions.

Consequently, trains, trams, and buses remain the preferred modes of transport across the UK and Europe.

Furthermore, the widespread use of cars has not only cemented individualism but has also deepened class divisions. In nations like the U.S.—with exceptions like New York, where both affluent and working-class individuals often use the subway—wealthy individuals tend to avoid mingling with those less fortunate by sticking to their cars and SUVs. This tendency is detrimental to the social fabric of these societies.

The concept of owning large, heavy vehicles that require energy and space for transportation and parking is somewhat absurd. The environmental and spatial implications are perplexing.

While the rise of the internal combustion engine may have been inevitable, the reliance on fossil fuels was certainly not.

It's well-documented that Rudolf Diesel's engine was capable of running on both petroleum and vegetable oils, evidenced by his 1900 demonstration using peanut oil.

Diesel's untimely death—whether by accident or other means—while en route to meet with British Navy officials likely hindered the development of alternative fuel sources, as oil companies showed little interest in sharing the market with peanut farmers or anyone else.

3. The QWERTY Keyboard

While not revolutionary, the persistence of the QWERTY keyboard exemplifies how historical choices can become binding.

For those unfamiliar, the QWERTY layout was designed to prevent jamming in early typewriters, forcing designers to place frequently used keys at opposite ends of the keyboard.

Human ergonomics suffered as a result.

Today, the QWERTY layout seems unnecessary; a more logical arrangement could increase typing speed and reduce hand strain. However, the inertia surrounding this established format means that manufacturers would need to synchronize their changes to avoid confusion.

Alternatives like the Dvorak and Colemak layouts exist, claiming to enhance typing speed and comfort. They are designed to minimize finger movement and promote a more natural posture.

Yet, convincing the global population to relearn the location of basic keys remains a daunting challenge.

4. Plastics, Plastics Everywhere

Initially hailed as a groundbreaking, durable material, plastic has turned into a significant environmental disaster. Its resilience means it doesn’t decompose easily, instead breaking down into tiny microparticles that persist for millennia.

Plastic has been discovered in even the most isolated locations, affecting wildlife and humans alike. Recent studies suggest that nanoplastics could be linked to conditions like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s, along with a range of other issues.

While the adoption of plastics may have been unavoidable, it doesn't negate the harmful consequences associated with their widespread use. Much like the dangers of smoking or excessive sugar consumption were underestimated, our ignorance does not absolve us from the chaos caused by our reliance on plastics.

This is a global miscalculation from which we may never recover.

5. Patents, Schmatents

Bob Dylan once remarked that only “wussies and pussies” care about plagiarism—a sentiment that resonates in the context of intellectual property rights.

Invented in Venice in 1474, patents were intended to stimulate innovation by pro