‘Alcohol Is a Cultural Technology’: Drinking Benefits Society by Increasing Creativity, Expert Claims

A professor of philosophy states that enjoying alcohol may play an essential role in making society creative.(Photo: Cottonbro Studio/Pexels)

Edward Slingerland, a professor of philosophy at the University of British Columbia, has shared his insights into the world of drinking and the role alcohol plays in facilitating a creative and more sociable society.

In an interview with The Guardian, Slingerland revealed that while the consumption of alcohol does indeed have negative impacts on health, completely forgoing booze may result in a society with less innovation.

First, Slingerland explained the function of the human brain.

“The prefrontal cortex (PFC),” Slingerland shared with The Guardian, “is the centre of executive function for cognitive control. It’s what allows you to stay focused, completing tasks.”

“But it’s double-edged,” he continued. “It’s also limiting: some insights require creativity and thinking outside the box.”

Slingerland then noted that this is where alcohol enters the equation.

“Alcohol is a cultural technology that we have developed to briefly get us back to our five-year-old brains when it comes to flexibility and creativity. After a few hours it wears off and we can glean the results.”

Commenting on how alcohol has long been associated with creatives, Slingerland said that it’s “not a myth.”

“There’s good evidence it increases creativity, which as a society we need.”

Slingerland is the author of “Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, And Stumbled Our Way To Civilization,” a book that takes both an enlightening and entertaining look at why humans like to get drunk through a historical lens. The professor has authored seven other books, ranging on topics such as the sciences and the humanities to the history of religions. Slingerland’s other research interests include big data approaches to cultural analysis, early Chinese thought and humanities-science integration.

After establishing drinking’s importance in fostering creativity, Slingerland then explained how it can help develop friendships and human connection.

“In the same way that shaking hands started out as a way to show we aren’t carrying weapons,” Slingerland told The Guardian, “drinking beers – taking our PFCs out – is like putting our mental weapons on the side. By relaxing the PFC, it’s harder to lie or fake.”

“Because we feel positive about each other, it creates a sense of bonding that’s crucial for humankind.”

Slingerland then shared how without alcohol, we may see a divided society with less innovation.

“It would be concerning,”  Slingerland informed The Guardian. “if these effects were wiped out. I’d predict a less creative and more atomised society: if it’s true that young people aren’t getting intoxicated in social environments, I’d predict a reduction in innovation, and a decline in cooperation, too.”

Thanks to Slingerland’s close look at alcohol, we have a better understanding of alcohol’s part in our complex, creative society. However, as always, please drink responsibly.

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