Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Beer: Cause of, and Solution to, Civilization

Americans aren't likely to cut back on the suds—and history tells us why, Will writes

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 10, 2008 12:18 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Recently, Investor’s Business Daily had the effrontery to suggest that Americans might cut down on beer “and other non-essential items.” It was a statement that sent Washington Post columnist George F. Will into a frothy rage. Beer is completely essential—without it civilization as we know might not exist. Early urbanites had just one respite from waterborne illness, he notes: Beer.

People at beaches and ballparks this summer have plenty of clean water, of course, but they’re descended from those early town dwellers, who usually wouldn’t survive long if they couldn’t hold their liquor. This led alcohol-friendly genes to become dominant—we have literally evolved into beer drinkers. So raise a glass, Investor’s Business Daily. As Ben Franklin said, “Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

Without beer, civilization as we know it would probably crumble.
Without beer, civilization as we know it would probably crumble.   (Shutterstock)
Humanity has evolved from a hearty line of beer drinkers.
Humanity has evolved from a hearty line of beer drinkers.   (Getty Images)
Beer was civilization's lone refuge from waterborne diseases.
Beer was civilization's lone refuge from waterborne diseases.   (Shutterstock)
Raise a glass, brewers. The public will never abandon your favorite drink.
Raise a glass, brewers. The public will never abandon your favorite drink.   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

The offending article
Investor's Business Daily

A brief history of beer
InventorSpot

Anheuser-Busch fights takeover
BusinessWeek

 
evolution • alcohol • beer • George Will

More Newser Stories

Brewing at Chicago Starbucks: Beer, Wine

Beer Can Be Good For Your Heart

Russia Decides Beer Is ... Alcohol

For Good Health, Have a Beer

Booze Is on the Menu at Some Hospitals
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne