Edward Slingerland brings up an interesting point when he refers to masturbation as a classic example of an evolutionary hijack. In our conversation, he elaborates on how humans often repurpose structures meant for one application into another, and masturbation, he notes, perfectly illustrates this notion.
In a recent Mini Philosophy interview, I discussed Slingerland’s book, Drunk, where he shares his “intoxication thesis.” He challenges the common perception that drinking alcohol is an evolutionary blunder. The idea goes that early Homo sapiens consumed too much fermented juice and found the experience enjoyable, leading to impromptu gatherings and celebratory moments. Yet, Slingerland posits that our bodies and brains aren’t designed for intoxication—after all, alcohol is essentially a poison, and our bodies resist it, or so the traditional view suggests.
However, Slingerland asserts that this perspective is misguided. He believes that drinking and getting intoxicated actually play vital roles in promoting human welfare and developing intricate societies. Perhaps it wasn’t what evolution intended, but the social and reproductive advantages it grants us are undeniable.
This leads to the question: How does drinking differ from other supposed evolutionary errors? And what benefits does intoxication provide? Let’s dive into it.
The classic example
Masturbation is often labeled an evolutionary mistake because the joy derived from an orgasm has a clear evolutionary target—it’s nature’s incentive for procreation, presenting a reward for passing on our genes. Evolutionary biologists refer to this as the “adaptive target” of orgasms. Engaging in sex and reproducing yields a rush of dopamine, oxytocin, and other feel-good chemicals.
Yet, as Slingerland points out, humans and other animals figured out that they could experience that pleasure in various non-reproductive ways. Once this realization hit, it became prevalent. So, the crux of the “mistake” is that there’s no direct correlation between an orgasm and reproduction. Evolution may not desire us to engage in masturbation, but it tolerates this relatively low-cost behavior. Contrary to what many have heard, it won’t cause blindness or any significant harm. From an evolutionary standpoint, the cost of masturbation is minimal, provided reproduction still occurs occasionally.
The Twinkie problem
Another example of an evolutionary mistake that Slingerland highlights is what he calls the “Twinkie problem.” This arises when behaviors that once served a purpose in our evolution become detrimental due to drastic changes in our environment. He explains that while our bodies crave fats and sugars—beneficial during times when food was scarce—this craving turns problematic in today’s industrialized society where junk food is widely available. Indulging in Twinkies and other sugary treats can lead to serious health issues like obesity and diabetes.
Though these circumstances are problematic for many now, the time scale for a genetic adaptation to this situation is too short. Maybe, in the distant future, our bodies will phase out cravings for unhealthy options, but for now, it remains a pressing concern.
The benefits of alcohol
Traditionally, alcohol is viewed similarly to masturbation—as a mistake enjoyed only by a few. The underlying argument is that evolution doesn’t need to eliminate our enjoyment of drunkenness since it’s a choice made by some. We approach drinking like rats pressing a lever to access a reward.
Yet, according to Slingerland’s intoxication thesis, such a view falls short. Our affinity for alcohol is ancient and widespread; thus, evolution likely involves some benefits that have kept it ingrained in us.
While his book details various advantages, our discussion zeroed in on two key aspects:
Firstly, there’s the social element of getting drunk. Sharing drinks fosters not just enjoyment but also vulnerability. When intoxicated, one is in a position of trust with others. Being drunk can make you an easy target, which emphasizes the trust that accompanies shared moments of drunkenness.
Secondly, alcohol can spur creativity. It’s not solely about famous musicians getting high and producing hits; it’s about harnessing unorthodox thinking that fuels our survival. Slingerland articulates that alcohol can dampen the prefrontal cortex’s controlling influence, allowing fresh connections and insights to form. This can lead to moments of inspiration where one might propose an innovative idea that would otherwise remain unexpressed.
Ultimately, Slingerland argues that what we’re quick to deem evolutionary errors—like masturbation, excessive sugar consumption, and drunken escapades—actually showcase evolution’s unexpected cleverness. Instead of mere misfires, these behaviors have enabled us to adapt in ways that foster connection, creativity, and joy.
