29. Alcohol effects are outlined by a Japanese writer

By Tom O'Connell

A Japanese writer named Yoshida Kenko has written a very descriptive essay titled "On Drinking." By the time he finishes the essay he says a few positive things about alcohol such as its ability to bring cheer during social occasions and the way it can enhance friendship. But most of the essay is critical.

He begins this way: "There are many things in the world I cannot understand. I cannot imagine why people find it so enjoyable to press liquor on you the first thing, on every occasion, and force you to drink it." Blaming hosts more than guests, he describes what the host's persistence can lead to. "As a result, even dignified men suddenly turn into lunatics and behave idiotically, and men in the prime of health act like patients afflicted with grave illnesses and collapse unconscious before one's eyes. What a scandalous way to spend a day of celebration!"

Kenko then relates some consequences. "The victim's head aches even the following day, and he lies abed, groaning, unable to eat, unable to recall what happened the day before, as if everything had taken place in a previous incarnation. He neglects important duties, both public and private, and the result is disaster."

Ignoring the possibility that drinkers may have a choice about the amount they drink, he says, "A man whose thoughtful manner had seemed attractive laughs and shouts uncontrollably; he chatters interminably...presenting so disreputable a picture that he is unrecognizable as his usual self. A woman will brush the hair away from her forehead and brazenly lift up her face with a roar of laughter...if badly bred she will push appetizers into the mouth of her companion, or her own, a disgraceful sight."

Kenko is relentless. "Some men shout at the top of their lungs, singing and dancing, each to his own tune. Sometimes an old priest, invited at the behest of a distinguished guest, strips to the waist, revealing grimy, sallow skin, and twists his body in a manner so revolting that even those watching with amusement are nauseated."

Continuing his observations on drinkers, he says, "Some drone on about their achievements, boring their listeners; others weep drunkenly. People of the lower classes swear at one another and quarrel in a shocking and frightening manner; after various shameful and wretched antics they end up by grabbing things they have been refused, or falling from the verandah and injuring themselves....if they are not sufficiently important to ride, they stagger along the main thoroughfares and perform various unmentionable acts before earthen walls or at people's gates."

The Japanese writer continues: "If such behavior were of benefit either in this world or the next, there might be some excuse. It is, however, the source of numerous calamities in this world, destroying fortunes and inviting sickness. They call liquor the chief of all medicines, but it  is, in fact, the origin of all sicknesses."

Then he says liquor taken to blot out unhappiness can make a person "remember even his past griefs and weep over them." As for liquor's impact on the future life, he says drinking "deprives a man of his wisdom" and "consumes his good actions like fire." Therefore, the drinker "increases the burden of sin" and "violates many commandments."

What interests me most about this essay is that it was written in the 14th century. And the alcohol challenge is still with us.

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