Sometimes taking a step backwards in order to move forward can be the best move to make. With 7+ billion people on the face of the earth and growing, being independent and as self sufficient as possible might be a good thing. Our planet's resources are not infinite and as demands for these resources increase, so does the possibility of conflict. History has already proven this to be a fact. What do you do with a population the size of Los Angeles or New York City when the well runs dry?