Books: Trying Not to Try Albert Cotugno Books: Trying Not to Try Albert Cotugno

shondaland: How to Be Irresponsible Responsibly

We spend so much of our lives striving to be responsible and to do the right thing that we often forget there are many benefits to doing something a little naughty every once in a while. The excitement that comes with tapping into that childlike mischievousness is freeing because it thrusts you into the present moment. So, being a tad reckless, spontaneous, and risking getting into trouble has the power to open a door to surprising moments of joy and fulfillment.
— Ally Hirschlag

Ally Hirschlag, “How to Be Irresponsible Responsibly,” Shondaland, July 19, 2021

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Books: Drunk Albert Cotugno Books: Drunk Albert Cotugno

New york Post: Our bossy society is completely losing sight of the value of risky behavior

When told that Gen. Ulysses Grant drank too much, President Abraham Lincoln is said to have inquired as to Grant’s choice of booze, so he could send some to his other generals. The anecdote captures the central argument of “Drunk,” Edward Slingerland’s new book on alcohol, policy and culture — and it offers lessons for all sorts of other regulatory efforts.
— Glenn H. Reynolds

Glenn H. Reynolds, “Our bossy society is completely losing sight of the value of risky behavior,” New York Post, July 1, 2021

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linkiesta: Spirito Cupo

La tesi di Slingerland è che una leggera ebbrezza si sia rivelata decisiva nel rendere i rapporti umani più fluidi, favorendo la conversazione pacifica, migliorando l’umore, la coesistenza e portando ad aumentare la creatività.

Dario Ronzoni, “Spirito Cupo,” Linkiesta, June 24, 2021

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Books: Drunk Albert Cotugno Books: Drunk Albert Cotugno

New scientist: Could alcohol-induced creativity be key to civilisation?

A childlike state of mind in an adult is key to cultural innovation, argues [Slingerland]. Intoxicants provide an efficient route to that state by temporarily taking the prefrontal cortex offline, he says.
— Vijaysree Venkatraman

Vijaysree Venkatraman, “Drunk review: Could alcohol-induced creativity be key to civilisation?,” New Scientist, June 2, 2021

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Books: Drunk Albert Cotugno Books: Drunk Albert Cotugno

Washington Post: Sip this book responsibly, and at your own risk.

While Slingerland argues for the benefits of intoxication — you might not want to give this book to someone in recovery — along the way he also writes about agriculture, creativity, geography and aesthetics. “Drunk” celebrates tipsiness rather than sordid excess.

Bethanne Patrick, “10 books to read in June,” Washington Post, June 1, 2021

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Books: Drunk Albert Cotugno Books: Drunk Albert Cotugno

Smithsonian: immensely readable exploration of drunkenness

Blending history, anthropology, neuroscience, genetics, archaeology and a range of other disciplines, Drunk outlines the manifold merits of intoxication, from fostering creativity to relieving stress to building social bonds.
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