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Cover of Ebrietatis Encomium: or, the Praise of Drunkenness

Ebrietatis Encomium: or, the Praise of Drunkenness

Written by Albert-Henri de Sallengre

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Drinking customs

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About this book

"Ebrietatis Encomium" by Albert-Henri de Sallengre is a satirical treatise on the merits of drunkenness, likely written in the early 18th century. The work discusses the necessity and advantages of getting drunk, arguing that it can drive away sorrow, enhance conviviality, and even be beneficial to one's health. The author adopts a humorous yet serious tone, alluding to a range of historical and philosophical figures to reinforce his perspective on the social and personal benefits of intoxication. The opening of the work introduces the author's intention to defend the practice of getting drunk against common criticisms. He engages with various philosophical and cultural references, including the doctrines of ancient sages, while dismissing the negative views on drunkenness as overly austere. He cites numerous examples from history, suggesting that even celebrated figures such as Cato and notable churchmen enjoyed drinking, positioning drunkenness as an ingrained facet of human experience worthy of commendation. Through witty arguments, Sallengre sets the stage for a more detailed exploration of these themes in the chapters that follow.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Ebrietatis Encomium: or, the Praise of Drunkenness, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • humorous
  • satirical
  • witty

Albert-Henri de Sallengre's "Ebrietatis Encomium" is an early 18th-century satirical treatise that ingeniously argues for the virtues and necessities of drunkenness. Far from a moral condemnation, the work adopts a witty and provocative stance, presenting intoxication as a means to alleviate sorrow, foster social harmony, and even promote health. Sallengre masterfully employs historical, philosophical, and cultural allusions, citing figures from ancient sages to revered churchmen, to bolster his unconventional defense. Through a blend of humor and scholarly pretense, the author challenges conventional austere views on sobriety, positioning drunkenness as an inherent and often beneficial aspect of the human condition, worthy of serious, albeit ironic, commendation.

“It is not my design here to write a panegyric on drunkenness, but only to defend it from the unjust reproaches usually cast upon it.”

Key themes

Satire and Subversion of Morality
The core of the work lies in its satirical inversion of moral values. Sallengre takes a commonly condemned vice, drunkenness, and systematically argues for its virtues, thereby mocking the rigidity of conventional morality and exposing the often arbitrary nature of social judgments. This theme challenges readers to question what truly constitutes 'good' or 'bad' behavior and the authority of those who define it.
Rhetoric and Persuasion
Sallengre's treatise is a masterclass in rhetorical strategy. The theme explores how arguments are constructed, how evidence (even selective or dubious evidence) is employed, and how an author can persuade an audience to consider an unconventional viewpoint. It highlights the power of language and intellectual dexterity to shape perception, regardless of the inherent 'truth' of the subject matter.
Human Psychology: Escapism and Conviviality
Beyond the satire, the treatise touches upon genuine human needs for escapism from sorrow and the desire for social connection. Sallengre's arguments, while ironic, resonate with the real-world functions that alcohol (and other forms of altered consciousness) have historically served in human societies. It implicitly explores the psychological comfort derived from forgetting troubles and the social bonding fostered by shared experiences of intoxication.

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