Caffeine is an addictive stimulant and social lubricant that tricks and traps us by creating the fleeting euphoria of mental energy, but the sustained sickness of mental lethargy. The euphoria of mental energy and the sickness of mental lethargy are polar opposites that reinforce each other: the euphoria blinds us to the sickness, and the sickness makes us crave the euphoria. Perversely but predictably, caffeine creates, aggravates, and perpetuates the very sickness of mental lethargy that it falsely seems to cure, thus placing coffee, tea, and energy drinks in a bad light.
Rapid Response:
Beware of Caffeine
Caffeine is an addictive stimulant and social lubricant that tricks and traps us by creating the fleeting euphoria of mental energy, but the sustained sickness of mental lethargy. The euphoria of mental energy and the sickness of mental lethargy are polar opposites that reinforce each other: the euphoria blinds us to the sickness, and the sickness makes us crave the euphoria. Perversely but predictably, caffeine creates, aggravates, and perpetuates the very sickness of mental lethargy that it falsely seems to cure, thus placing coffee, tea, and energy drinks in a bad light.
Competing interests: No competing interests