Plants of the Gods: Hallucinogens, Healing, Culture and Conservation podcast
Plants of the Gods: S5E4. Part 1 — Coffee, the World’s Favorite Stimulant — Chemistry, History, and More
Nov 29, 2023
Coffee's impact on human evolution and consciousness is explored through theories like the stoned ape and drunk monkey hypotheses. The history of coffee in France during the Napoleonic Wars is discussed, along with the significance and controversy of coffee throughout history.
32:45
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Quick takeaways
- Caffeine in coffee played a significant role in early humans' cognitive development, contributing to increased alertness and energy levels.
- Coffee's association with cognitive speed, psychoactive effects, and increased self-awareness has led to speculation about its role in the development of language and thought.
Deep dives
Coffee's Origins and Influence in Human Evolution
Coffee has a rich and intriguing history, originating in East Africa. Adultery, larceny, spies, smugglers, and slave revolts are tied to the history of coffee. The caffeine in coffee played a significant role in increasing alertness and energy levels in early humans, contributing to their cognitive development. The plant's association with speed of cognition and expression, as well as its psychoactive effects, have led to speculation about its role in the birth of self-awareness and the development of language and thought.
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