Drunk. How We Sipped, Danced, And ...

The author, the renowned cognitive psychologist Edward Slingerland, offers a new way of looking at familiar things. Pleasures and enjoyment, in his opinion, should be viewed from the point of view of evolutionary necessity. Having accumulated much interesting material on the history of alcohol, the scientist paints a comprehensive picture of the relationship between man and intoxicating substances. Throughout the millennia people have shown wonders of ingenuity in order to achieve the cherished goal of having a drink that can cheer up, facilitate communication and, most importantly, help to adapt to existence in a difficult environment and cope with all the difficulties. But if in small doses alcohol is our helper and friend, in large doses it is our sworn enemy and destroyer. Why does this happen? Is it possible to maximize the benefits of intoxicating substances by taking control of their cruel consequences? In a light, humorous manner, Slingerland answers these questions. He takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the past, gives a hilarious account of the drinking traditions of modern societies, and furthermore explains how humans in the future can make alcohol a factor in social progress.