The author, renowned cognitive psychologist Edward Slingerland, invites us to look at familiar things in a new way. He believes that pleasure and enjoyment should be viewed from the perspective of evolutionary necessity. Having amassed a wealth of fascinating material on the history of alcohol, the scientist paints a comprehensive picture of the relationship between humans and intoxicants. For millennia, people have demonstrated remarkable ingenuity to achieve their cherished goal—to create a drink that can cheer us up, facilitate social interaction, and, most importantly, help us adapt to life in a challenging environment and cope with all difficulties. But while alcohol is our helper and friend in small doses, in larger doses it is our sworn enemy and destroyer. Why is this so? Is it possible to maximize the benefits of intoxicants while managing their harsh consequences? Slingerland answers these questions in a light, humorous manner. He takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the past, cheerfully describes drinking traditions in modern societies, and also explains how people in the future can make alcohol a factor in social progress.