4 ms·
> If the ground-state of the human mind is tipsy, then is sobriety functionally an abnormal state we're maladapted for? I vaguely recall reading that the ancie
by wtbob 10y ago
> If the ground-state of the human mind is tipsy, then is sobriety functionally an abnormal state we're maladapted for?
I vaguely recall reading that the ancient Persians would make decisions twice: once sober, and once drunk. If their decisions were the same, then they knew that they'd decided correctly. Of course, they ended up being conquered by a bunch of teetotallers …
No reference, I'm afraid. It could be very well be total bunk.
- martinpw 10y agoApparently it is a quote from Herodutus, so the reference dates back a long way but that does not necessarily mean it is true: http://skepticalphilosopher.blogspot.com/2009/09/persian-strategy-deliberating-while.html http://skepticalphilosopher.blogspot.com/2009/09/persian-str...
- FabHK 10y agoPity today's Iran is rather more strict about it. In Teheran, can only get alcohol legally in the Armenian community centre, AFAIK: red wine, white wine, or vodka.
- pm90 10y agoTo be fair, they held on their own for centuries of constant warfare with Greco-Roman civilization, which at certain times consisted of the largest, most powerful political entities.