Jared Diamond

According to Jared Diamond, his research has shown that it is geographic luck that determines whether or not a civilization grows prosperous. He believes that there is a direct correlation between animal and plant domestication and the ability of a culture to advance. Great civilizations have been known for greater advancements in technology and larger population growth. He discovered that it was because of animal and plant domestication that led to these great civilizations. However, these two variables depended greatly on the geography of the land. This factor was determined to be all luck. Civilizations that had to hunt and gather their food took more time and energy than civilizations who could farm and easily produce their food. The environment was a crucial factor in determining specific local foods. Some regions of the world could only grow certain produce that wasn’t nutritious. This food lacked necessary nutritious value, which didn’t allow civilizations to grow in the number of people. Farming was another key aspect that led to larger civilizations. Farms that could grow nutritious and beneficial food would have the opportunity to provide healthier food to their people. Farming could also provide a larger quantity of food allowing more people to be fed and therefore growing the population within a given civilization. The domestication of animals also allowed for such goods as milk (high in protein), skin and fur for warmth, leather and hide. Large animals could also be used for different things such as farming. Therefore, regions with larger animals had the opportunity to use these animals to their advantage. In conclusion, geographic places with fertile land, the right plant domestication and animals made it easier for civilizations to grow. These factors seemed to hugely contribute to and impacted whether or not a civilization would grow and prosper in size. When a civilization became larger in size they would then continue to prosper and have greater advancements in technology.