" In 1645 (at the beginning of the two-centuries-long era of slavery), records show the purchase of 1,000 slaves for Barbadian cane sugar production. A commentator noted that more slaves would soon be on their way, for so lucrative was the sugar industry, and so low the value of human life, that within eighteen months, slaves had recouped their strike-price for their masters. "

― Raj Patel , Stuffed And Starved: Markets, Power And The Hidden Battle For The World Food System