An Edible History of Humanity

A Big Man is an influential member of a tribe or group. Standage explains that Big Men originated from the surplus of food brought on by agriculture. Big Men use the surplus to give gifts and create debts, establishing themselves as powerful individuals within a system of trade.

Biofuels are renewable energy sources made from organic material, such as plant matter or animal byproducts. Advocates for biofuels point to their potential for carbon neutrality and renewability. Standage suggests that humans need to turn their attention toward solar and wind energy rather than biofuels, arguing that carbon neutrality is not achievable within the fuel-powered agricultural industry.

Collectivization refers to a technique used by Stalin in which he merged peasant farms and placed them under the control of the state. While Stalin’s plan was intended to increase agricultural production and industrialization, collectivization led to widespread starvation and disease.