Theme for January 14 - A History of the World in 6 Glasses (Part 2)
Jan 10th, 2010 by Ying
A History of the World in 6 Glasses is a book written by Tom Standage. It tells the story of humanity from the Stone Age to the 21st century through the lens of beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and cola.
In an earlier meeting at the end of 2009, we spoke about beer, wine, and spirits. This Thursday we’ll talk about coffee, tea, and cola.
Although coffee originated in the Arab world, it stoked revolutionary thought in Europe during the Age of Reason, when coffeehouses became centers of intellectual exchange. And thousands of years after the Chinese began drinking tea it became especially popular in Britain, with far-reaching effects on British foreign policy. Finally, although carbonated drinks were invented in 18th-century Europe they became a 20th-century phenomenon, and Coca-Cola in particular is the leading
symbol of globalization.
As you can tell, each drink is a kind of technology, a catalyst for changing culture by which one can demonstrate the intricate interplay of different civilizations. After Thursday’s meeting, you may never look at your favorite drink the same way again.
You will also have the chance to enjoy one of the most amazing types of tea at our meeting.
乾杯! [干杯!] (gān bēi)
Ying
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