Having Fun. How People Wanted to Throw a Party and Built Civilization Instead

The author of the book, renowned cognitive psychologist Edward Slingerland, offers a new perspective on familiar things. Pleasure and enjoyment, in his opinion, should be viewed through the lens of evolutionary necessity. Having amassed a wealth of fascinating material on the history of alcohol, the scholar paints a comprehensive picture of the relationship between humans and intoxicating substances.

For thousands of years, people have shown incredible ingenuity to achieve the coveted goal — to obtain a drink that can uplift, facilitate communication, and, most importantly, help adapt to existence in a challenging environment and cope with all difficulties. But while alcohol can be our helper and friend in small doses, in large amounts it becomes a sworn enemy and destroyer. Why is this the case? Can we maximize the benefits of intoxicating substances while controlling their harsh consequences?

In a light and playful manner, Slingerland answers these questions. He takes the reader on an exciting journey through the past, amusingly narrates drinking traditions in modern societies, and explains how humans can make alcohol a factor of social progress in the future.