On Alcohol

Why Alcohol Should Remain the Dominant Form of “Medicine” for Anxiety, Social Interaction, and Creativity

One of the most frequent causes of death is the unrelieved anxiety which afflicts people in modern society. Those who live in close contact with such people, whether physicians or others, know that these individuals do not always recognize the pain of their affliction. They feel neither fully alive nor fully dead.
— Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra

Nietzsche’s provocative words may sound harsh, but they reveal a profound truth about the human condition: modern life is marked by a pervasive, numbing anxiety. And despite the technological marvels of the contemporary world, one of the oldest remedies—alcohol—remains a powerful tool to alleviate that malaise. In a society that increasingly leans on pharmaceuticals and cutting-edge therapies to manage everything from anxiety to social isolation, we must ask: what if the ancient elixir, distilled over centuries of use, is still our most effective antidote?

Alcohol has long been seen as a method of coping with anxiety, stimulating social interaction, and even unlocking creativity. I have written about this before here. But in an age that increasingly favors clinical solutions and pharmaceutical interventions, alcohol is frequently relegated to the sidelines. This essay argues that, despite the rise of modern alternatives, alcohol remains the dominant and irreplaceable medicine for anxiety, social connection, and creativity. Drawing on the Lindy Principle and the rich historical context of alcohol’s use in society, we explore why alcohol’s role is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago.

The Ancient and Enduring Role of Alcohol

From the earliest known civilizations to modern society, alcohol has played an irreplaceable role in human life. The Sumerians, ancient Egyptians, and Greeks, among others, revered alcohol not only for its intoxicating properties but for its capacity to foster social bonds and unlock creativity. Wine was, and still is, a symbol of divine grace, often associated with gods and rites of passage. The Greeks raised a glass to the god Dionysus, whose revels were said to release the soul from its earthly confines, bringing about a moment of catharsis.

In the Middle Ages, monks perfected brewing techniques, and alcohol became intertwined with religious rituals and daily life. Fast forward to the present, and alcohol is still the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world. Despite the rise of pharmaceutical solutions and synthetic substances, alcohol’s place in the human experience has only deepened. Its widespread consumption speaks to an undeniable, almost intrinsic need: it helps us cope with the tensions of modern life, facilitates social interactions, and nurtures creativity.

This long-standing historical use is not a mere accident. The Lindy Principle, popularized by Nassim Taleb, offers a powerful explanation. According to the Lindy Principle, the longer something has survived, the longer it is likely to continue surviving. Alcohol, as an enduring remedy, has survived through millennia because it offers something uniquely valuable to society—an ability to soothe, connect, and inspire.

Pharmaceutical Alternatives: A Fleeting Solution?

In recent decades, the pharmaceutical industry has attempted to fill the gaps in mental health treatment, marketing solutions to anxiety, depression, and even creativity. But can these modern-day remedies ever truly replace alcohol? The evidence is dubious.

Consider the rise of prescription medications for anxiety, such as benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). While these medications have their place, their overuse has led to significant side effects, including dependency, cognitive dulling, and, in some cases, exacerbation of the very issues they purport to address. The opioid crisis, which claims tens of thousands of lives annually, further highlights the dangers of over-relying on pharmaceutical interventions.

Pharmaceutical solutions, by design, are often intended to alleviate symptoms temporarily. They don't always address the underlying societal factors contributing to the individual’s distress. Alcohol, in contrast, has a proven track record of enabling meaningful human connection and fostering environments in which people can express themselves freely. The therapeutic effects of alcohol are not merely pharmacological but deeply social and cultural, resonating through millennia of human experience.

Alcohol and Creativity: A Catalyst for Genius

The relationship between alcohol and creativity is one of the most enduring aspects of its cultural relevance. Many of history’s greatest minds have relied on alcohol to unlock their creative potential. From Beethoven, who, as Richard Johnson fondly remembers, brought his family together through music, to literary figures like Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce, alcohol has been a companion to the creative process.

Alcohol works on the brain by lowering inhibitions and enhancing the mind's flexibility. The social lubricant that alcohol provides creates an atmosphere conducive to idea exchange, collaboration, and the free-flowing of thoughts. In today’s fast-paced world, this kind of environment—one where creativity is nurtured through social interaction—is more essential than ever.

While some may argue that alcohol is a detractor from focused work or clear thinking, the evidence suggests otherwise. Many creative industries, particularly in technology and the arts, have long used alcohol as a way to break through mental barriers. The act of drinking together fosters trust, collaboration, and shared inspiration—qualities essential to innovation and creativity.

The Lindy Principle and Alcohol’s Enduring Value

The Lindy Principle is particularly illuminating when applied to alcohol’s place in modern society. As Taleb points out, the longer something has persisted, the more likely it is to continue. Alcohol has been a part of human society for thousands of years, and its continuous use suggests a deep-rooted and lasting relevance. In a world obsessed with novelty, we should take a step back and ask whether the enduring legacy of alcohol isn’t a sign of something much deeper and more valuable.

The Lindy Principle suggests that alcohol’s longevity is not an accident but a sign of its intrinsic value. Unlike pharmaceuticals or synthetic remedies, alcohol has been tested across generations, and its benefits are well-documented in both the historical and cultural record. The fact that alcohol continues to play such a central role in social interactions and creative endeavors points to its enduring utility, far beyond mere trend.

In Sum

In an age of increasingly sophisticated pharmaceuticals and social technologies, alcohol remains our most effective and accessible medicine for anxiety, social connection, and creativity. It offers an unparalleled blend of medicinal and social benefits that no modern alternative can fully replicate. Alcohol is not just a commodity; it is a key part of the human experience, deeply intertwined with our cultural and creative lives.

The Lindy Principle reminds us that the longer something endures, the more likely it is to continue. Alcohol’s ability to heal, connect, and inspire will not disappear because it has withstood the test of time—millennia, in fact. Instead of casting it aside in favor of fleeting modern trends, society would do well to embrace alcohol as a fundamental part of our therapeutic and creative lives, provided it is consumed with responsibility and moderation.

In the words of Nietzsche, “One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.” And it is with alcohol—both a personal and social chaos—that we unlock the deepest parts of ourselves, giving birth to creativity and connecting us to one another in ways that modern pharmaceuticals simply cannot.