The Luxury of Civilization

The urge to look pretty and have a good time are often considered a bad thing, but these desires for luxury may be responsible for civilization. The first trade routes were probably established for trading in shells for beads and later beautifully colored stones to be drilled for beads. The first trade city was established to support the obsidian trade for sharp volcanic glass razors and polished volcanic glass mirrors.

The first fields were probably planted to provide more barley for beer. In early times beer was not just for getting drunk, brewing created a safe to drink beverage in a time when most water was not safe to drink. It also added B vitamins to the diet.