Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by ardfie 2830 days ago
Humans have been making alcohol since prehistory. There are plenty of breweries, distilleries, and vineyards in Europe and Asia that have been continuously active for centuries.
1 comments

True and it was never mass consumed and celebrated to this extent. Current situation is that despite the facts and knowledge, social pressure makes people drink. Despite the facts.

The facts are overwhelming and we shouldn't just keep consuming alcohol because muah cultur. Many alcoholics end up causing traffic accidents and require lots of state support in other ways. Just walk into ED on any Saturday/Friday night. I have done that

People used to be drunk constantly - why do you think 19th century temperance movements were such a cultural force? Alcohol consumption was staggering in the past, to a degree we would consider insane today. Naval everyday rum rations alone would be well above the guidelines of being considered an alcoholic.
Alcohol was consumed en mass more than it is now. Little kids would regularly drink. Often alcohol was drank instead of water for sanitation reasons. It's been a huge part of nearly every culture for thousands of years.
In that case we need to give up on a previous era bad habit as there’s overwhelming evidence that it’s bad
You seem somewhat unperturbed that the entire crux of your original argument was faulty... maybe time for an update on your priors? Don't mean to sound unfriendly :)
Unperturbed because I know the endgame on this :). World without alcohol is a better world. The arguments about the past. I can list down counter arguments. But that’s not the point. People often respond with emotions about alcohol consumption. Media brainwashing has done its job well.
> World without alcohol is a better world.

Not for me. I truly enjoy a good drink with or without friends. It's possible to drink in moderation and enjoy yourself.

> Media brainwashing has done its job well.

Again, heavy drinking was extremely common well before mass media. I don't think you can pin this particular issue on them.