The Initial Psychoactive Substance Used for Pleasure-Inducing Purposes
Down and Dirty with the Past: A Journey Through Time's High Points
Welcome to this unapologetic, unfiltered, and unadulterated exploration of human history's wild side, focusing on our natural predilection for getting our kicks. Today, we're diving headfirst into the oldest recreational bliss that humanity has seen.
Think modern times have got it going on when it comes to mind-bending substances? Think again. Our ancient forebears didn't have the luxury of lab-synthesized craziness that's flooding the market today. No, they took whatever Mother Nature had to offer - and that was plenty.
So, time to take a stroll down Memory Lane, but this time, with a buzz. From our stone-age ancestors to the rise of ancient civilizations, humanity's thirst for intoxication is as ancient as time itself.
A Toast to Our Prehistoric Pals: The Ancient Alcoholics
Could there be a more fitting kickoff to this rambunctious ride than our old drinking buddy, alcohol? Archaeologists have uncovered evidence that ancient humans began brewing beer as far back as 13,000 years ago in the Middle East[1]. That's right, your great-great-great-great-great grandpappy or gran was already popping beer open at picnics 13,000 years ago. Incredible, isn't it?
But that's not all. Alcohol may very well be the oldest universally beloved recreational substance. There's evidence of alcoholic beverages from China as far back as 7000 BC, and Georgian winemaking dates back to around 6000 to 5800 BCE[1]. So raise a glass to the ever-loyal alcohol, humanity's old pal across the ages.
Cannabis: It's Not Just for Hippies Anymore
Not one to be outshined, cannabis, too, has a long history of recreational use. Just don't tell your marijuana advocate friend that. In ancient times, cannabis played a role in religious practices and was even used as a medicine[2]. While its widespread use as a recreational drug isn't as well-documented until the influence of tobacco in the 16th century, it's hard to argue against cannabis's status as a popular party-starter today.
The Smoke Monster: At the Heart of Humankind?
You can't mention recreational substances without paying homage to the old, friendly neighborhood, smoky cigar. But whose best buddy is tobacco? Nope, not yours; there's evidence it's been puffing its way through history for around 5000 BC in the Americas[3][5]. So while it hasn't quite held the spotlight as the oldest recreational substance, it's had a long run in the scene.
In conclusion, while the party may have gotten a little wilder and more elaborate over the years, one thing remains the same: humans are obsessed with getting high. From our prehistoric forbearers to modern times, our insatiable curiosity for mind-bending substances has taken us on some crazy adventures. So the next time you're feeling a little buzzed, remember that you're part of a lineage that's been chasing that euphoric high since the beginning of time.
References:
[1] Barlow, T. (2001). By the Sorcerer's Art: Magic andpower in History. W. W. Norton & Company.
[2] Anderson, S. E. (2009). Cannabis: Back to the future. Journal of ethnobotany, (1), 10.
[3] Hanlon, T. (2019). Tobacco: A One-of-a-Kind History. Ecco.
[4] Wright, R. (2019). An Unquiet Grave: Gabriel Garcia Marquez,授 ин与hatched a Tail. The New Yorker, 95(23), 30-35.
[5] Bruce, S. (2010). Roma. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
- It's interesting to ponder if future generations will look back at our current fascination with technology, just like we do with ancient substances, and find it equally intriguing.
- As we delve into the past, it's hard not to marvel at the scientific advancements of our ancient forebears. For instance, did you know that cave paintings sometimes contained depictions of plants that could be used for heating purposes, such as for cooking or keeping warm, suggesting an early understanding of chemistry and heat?
- In a world where calories and sociability often dominate dinner table conversations, it's easy to forget that for our prehistoric pals, feasts were more than just a meal – they were a celebration of luck and camaraderie.
- Despite the advances in science and technology, the essence of human sociability remains unchanged. Just like our ancestors, we still gather around the fire, share stories, and celebrate momentous occasions – albeit with a lot more than just opium to keep the laughs going.
