EPISODE · Sep 4, 2025 · 58 MIN
#39 Edward Slingerland: Why Society Needs Alcohol More Than You Think
from Serves You Right · host Andrew Roy
Why do humans risk so much, and sacrifice so greatly, for alcohol? In this provocative episode with Edward Slingerland, we explore the hidden evolutionary functions of intoxication. Drawing on philosophy, history, and cutting-edge science, Slingerland reveals how alcohol has acted as a cultural technology for creativity, cooperation, and community.From wu-wei in the East to Viking binge drinking, from Southern European rituals to the rise of cannabis culture, this conversation challenges everything you think you know about intoxication. We dig into why distilled liquor is uniquely dangerous, why loneliness may be worse for your health than alcohol, and why society might actually need intoxication to thrive.This isn’t a celebration or a condemnation. It’s a deeper truth about who we are and why humans have always sought ways to step outside themselves.Expect to Learn:Why alcohol is best understood as a cultural technology rather than an evolutionary mistakeThe surprising role of wu-wei and philosophy in understanding intoxicationWhy humans are uniquely dependent on creativity fueled by temporary irrationalityHow alcohol helps us solve cooperation dilemmas and build trust with strangersThe hidden danger of distilled liquor and private drinking in modern cultureWhy Southern European drinking rituals offer a model for safer alcohol useHow the rise of cannabis is reshaping intoxicant culture for Gen ZWhy loneliness is more dangerous than alcoholWhy restaurants and bars may be saving livesLinks: Edward's WebsiteService starts now.Follow the show: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeI talk mostly to people in and around the service industry space. I'm looking to hear from the people I wish I could have talked to when I was coming up in restaurants. Said another way: I am trying to make sense of this wild, beautiful mess of a life, and help others that are feeling similarly confused and/or lost. You can find more of my work at my blog, and all my social links are at the bottom of that page.Classic Episodes You May Like:-#14: Dr. Shalini Bahl, mindful marketing-#22:Doug Frost MW MS-#23:Jeffrey Morgenthaler-#31:ET: Entrepreneur (and creator of Surfer on Acid)-#38:Aaron Goldfarb Hunting for Ancient BoozeAs always, I’m just here taking notes, trying to figure out what it all means.Cheers
What this episode covers
Why do humans risk so much, and sacrifice so greatly, for alcohol? In this provocative episode with Edward Slingerland, we explore the hidden evolutionary functions of intoxication. Drawing on philosophy, history, and cutting-edge science, Slingerland reveals how alcohol has acted as a cultural technology for creativity, cooperation, and community.From wu-wei in the East to Viking binge drinking, from Southern European rituals to the rise of cannabis culture, this conversation challenges everything you think you know about intoxication. We dig into why distilled liquor is uniquely dangerous, why loneliness may be worse for your health than alcohol, and why society might actually need intoxication to thrive.This isn’t a celebration or a condemnation. It’s a deeper truth about who we are and why humans have always sought ways to step outside themselves.Expect to Learn:Why alcohol is best understood as a cultural technology rather than an evolutionary mistakeThe surprising role of wu-wei and philosophy in understanding intoxicationWhy humans are uniquely dependent on creativity fueled by temporary irrationalityHow alcohol helps us solve cooperation dilemmas and build trust with strangersThe hidden danger of distilled liquor and private drinking in modern cultureWhy Southern European drinking rituals offer a model for safer alcohol useHow the rise of cannabis is reshaping intoxicant culture for Gen ZWhy loneliness is more dangerous than alcoholWhy restaurants and bars may be saving livesLinks: Edward's WebsiteService starts now.Follow the show: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeI talk mostly to people in and around the service industry space. I'm looking to hear from the people I wish I could have talked to when I was coming up in restaurants. Said another way: I am trying to make sense of this wild, beautiful mess of a life, and help others that are feeling similarly confused and/or lost. You can find more of my work at my blog, and all my social links are at the bottom of that page.Classic Episodes You May Like:-#14: Dr. Shalini Bahl, mindful marketing-#22:Doug Frost MW MS-#23:Jeffrey Morgenthaler-#31:ET: Entrepreneur (and creator of Surfer on Acid)-#38:Aaron Goldfarb Hunting for Ancient BoozeAs always, I’m just here taking notes, trying to figure out what it all means.Cheers
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#39 Edward Slingerland: Why Society Needs Alcohol More Than You Think
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