Anthropology

Jared Diamond: Convincing Argument, Faulty Conclusion

In his book The Third Chimpanzee, Jared Diamond lays forth a compelling argument explaining why humans “smoke, drink, and use dangerous drugs” (192). Diamond claims that the primary reason people consume alcohol and drugs is because of an old animal instinct in which we display dangerous traits or weaknesses, paradoxically, as a means of strutting genetic superiority. While his argument is mostly sound, I have discovered flaws in its assumptions and conclusions. As I map out Diamond’s argument, I will explain as best as I can its flaws (as I see them), ultimately leading to my own conclusion: that people use drugs and alcohol not because of an old instinct that does not even work, but rather because it makes it easier to communicate, “be ourselves,” feel comfortable, and fit in, leading to greater ease with which we can find a mate and reproduce.

Diamond begins his argument by referencing an experience he had on a plane coming home from an extended stay in the New Guinea jungle. Flipping through a magazine, he is caught off guard by advertisements for tobacco and whiskey. In his mind, the advertisements are so incongruent with reality, he naively thinks to himself things like, “such a brilliant antismoking ad!” and, “what an effective message to our youth!” (194). The conflict, as he sees it, is that since most people are aware of the health-hazards associated with smoking and drinking, an ad featuring attractive, healthy people participating in such chemical consumption is, by nature, in conflict with itself.

Diamond reasons there are no actual reproductive benefits to drinking, smoking, and doings drugs—they’re all unhealthy. Since everyone knows they’re bad for you, Diamond explains, it makes no sense whatsoever why we advertise them in a positive light. Before I personally delve into why this argument is flawed, let us take a closer look at the evidence Diamond uses to support his...