>The conversations are more memorable and deep and happen at coffee shops More memorable than what - in pubs which you don't go to? You don't know because you'

>The conversations are more memorable and deep and happen at coffee shops More memorable than what - in pubs which you don't go to? You don't know because you've never partook, as you said. You don't know what you're missing out on. How then can you judge one way or the other? I wouldn't dismiss alcohol as a net negative to humanity. Beer and wine are Lindy staples in European cultures, not just as intoxicants but primarily as food. And although your family culture is quite different, the majority culture of the wealthy, liberal country you received your world-class education from is alcohol-positive. There's something to that. Note also that drinking alcohol doesn't mean drinking to excess, which is what many people seem to implicate when they talk about drinking alcohol.