Alternative history paths can be interesting to ponder. Lately, I’ve read/heard some thoughts like: what if agriculture had not permanently/dominantly caught on? And: what if monotheistic (and, I suppose, henotheistic) religion had not survived?
Some of the sources are biased in favor of “happier” hunter/gatherers. Some might think agriculturalism is worse for the environment, leads to capitalism (which they may not favor), etc.