Mind-altering drugs played key role in rise of Andean civilization

187 points · 122 comments on HN · read original →

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The article claims psychoactive substances were instrumental in the development of Andean civilization.

The article body was unavailable due to a security verification page. The title indicates a study on mind-altering drugs' role in the rise of Andean civilization, but no specifics (facts, numbers, names, or mechanisms) are accessible.

What commenters are saying

Commenters split into two camps: those who argue that alcohol and caffeine have historically shaped all civilizations, and those who draw parallels to modern drug use. Specific claims include that beer may have driven cereal grain domestication, and that nicotine creates a 'worker bee' effect by making meaningless effort feel meaningful. Caffeine's role in the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution is also noted.