In a message dated 4/6/01 11:24:36 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< was meant ironically of course. The aborigines had every chance to take up
 agriculture, but didn't. They knew it was a waste of time, and the
 degradation of our country shows they wree right.
  >>
Yes, this is interesting. The only reason people take up agriculture in
general is because they have to. If the environment provides enough
sustenance, and the available territory is not restricted, people prefer to
remain free to roam. It is just more rewarding than tending crops all day,
and it also turns out to be more efficient. You only have to work at it a
couple of days a week, and the rest of the time is spent socializing.

Native california peoples were called lazy by the whiteman because of this.
What a joke -- the whiteman had to keep working, because his religion tells
him that idleness is to be condemned, while the native peoples did all they
needed to, and then enjoyed the company of their fellows. Who has the most
rewarding life?

Charles
San Diego, CA