He makes a convincing argument, which still resonates today, naturally. For instance, most of our food comes from staple crops like wheat and corn, which provides us with the same basic macronutrients. Of course, it isn't to say that agriculture today cannot be changed alongside society for a better world; it's always nice to be optimistic.
Of course, we never 'chose' agriculture, but it is an interesting perspective. It has definitely sent us off chasing other possibilities for improving our lives, and no matter where you live, you do have a longer one now, for better or worse. Perhaps it is trade that finds out how much suffering can be born. I purchase and use products that were made by people in a situation that I would find unbearable. Their less is my more. What can I blame that on? How much suffering can I bear on my behalf, and how much can be born on my account? The evolving answers to those questions seem to be what we call 'progress'.