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PaperclipPerfector  4d ago (text post)   2443 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for June 21, 2026

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Was the ancient German binge-drinking culture eugenic, insofar as antisocial tendencies were brought to light when inebriated and lead to loss of status, and irrationality and poor-self control were amplified when inebriated and resulted in a higher death rate in those with these traits? I’m thinking in terms of Tacitus’ Germania:

Drinking-bouts lasting all day and all night are not considered in any way disgraceful. The quarrels that inevitably arise over the cups are seldom settled merely by hard words, but more often by killing and wounding. Nevertheless, they often make a feast an occasion for discussing such affairs as the ending of feuds, the arrangement of marriage alliances, the adoption of chiefs, and even questions of peace or war. At no other time, they think, is the heart so open to sincere feelings or so quick to warm to noble sentiments. The Germans are not cunning or sophisticated enough to refrain from blurting out their inmost thoughts in the freedom of festive surroundings, so that every man's soul is laid completely bare. On the following day the subject is reconsidered, and thus due account is taken of both occasions. They debate when they are incapable of presence [sober thought] but reserve their decision for a time when they cannot well make a mistake.

If so, it may be the most interesting way to select traits in a population.

What was the actual alcohol content of the alcohol they were drinking? Wasn’t beer back then like 2% abv? Even the Romans themselves diluted their wine until it was 3-5% according to many estimates.

It’s quite possible they were drinking “all day” and yet still much less drunk than a modern drunk (or college student) drinking 80 proof vodka.

They debate when they are incapable of presence [sober thought] but reserve their decision for a time when they cannot well make a mistake.

This is also not an uncommon trope for Greeks/Romans discussing barbarians. I believe Herodotus says something similar of the Persians. Really, it's a pretty common thing across cultures, to discuss real talk over drinks and then finalize the next day, a surprising number of business deals get settled like that (and a lot more were back in the Mad Men days).

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