How Alcohol Shaped Civilization: The Surprising Role of Intoxication in Human History
Edward Slingerland, author of the thought-provoking book "Drunk", presents a compelling argument that humanity's oldest indulgence—alcohol—played a fundamental role in the development of civilization. Drawing from extensive research across multiple disciplines, Slingerland challenges conventional views about intoxicating beverages.
The Evolutionary Argument
Slingerland, a professor at the University of British Columbia, questions whether humanity's 10,000-year relationship with alcohol represents an evolutionary hijack or a deliberate adaptation. "Why we like to drink is still a bit unclear," he acknowledges. "Was it an evolutionary hijack or did we adapt to consuming fermented beverages?"
His research suggests this relationship was no accident. "Humanity's 10,000-year desire for alcohol is not an evolutionary mistake—it was a crucial element in building civilization," Slingerland asserts. The subtitle of his book captures this perspective perfectly: "How we Sipped, Danced and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization."
The Neurological Mechanism
The author explains the biological underpinnings of alcohol's social benefits. "Alcohol disarms our prefrontal cortex," Slingerland notes. "It dulls that part of our brain that is always trying to control things, that's looking for threats, that trying to remain logical. And when the prefrontal cortex is disarmed, we relax with each other, we let go enough to trust and share."
This neurological effect created conditions essential for social development. By reducing inhibitions and lowering defensive barriers, alcohol facilitated:
- Enhanced creativity through relaxed cognitive constraints
- Reduced stress in social situations
- Increased trust between individuals and groups
- Improved social bonding and cooperation
Multidisciplinary Evidence
Slingerland's conclusions rest on evidence gathered from diverse fields including:
- Archaeology revealing early alcohol production
- History documenting alcohol's role in social rituals
- Cognitive Neuroscience explaining alcohol's effects on brain function
- Psychopharmacology studying alcohol's psychological impacts
- Literature reflecting cultural attitudes toward drinking
- Genetics suggesting evolutionary adaptations to alcohol
The Social Function of Alcohol
Throughout human history, alcohol has served as a social lubricant in multiple contexts. "In other words," Slingerland explains, "alcohol has and continues to play an important role in people getting together socially, diplomatically, in business, and romantically."
This function proved particularly valuable in the formation of early large-scale societies. When groups needed to cooperate beyond immediate family units, shared drinking rituals helped establish trust and reduce intergroup tensions. The author posits that drinking intoxicating beverages shaped human history and played a crucial role in the rise of the first complex civilizations.
Modern Implications
While acknowledging potential dangers of excessive consumption, Slingerland emphasizes the benefits of responsible alcohol use. He participated in a Conversations That Matter discussion about how fermented beverages, when consumed responsibly, continue to offer multiple social and psychological benefits in contemporary society.
The research suggests that our relationship with alcohol represents more than mere recreation—it reflects deep-seated evolutionary adaptations that helped humanity transition from small hunter-gatherer groups to the complex civilizations we inhabit today.
