Hacker News Reader

Comment by kcovia | Hacker News Reader

I drink socially (read: 3-4 beers a week) and run 5km a day. I've never felt better. Extremism is not healthy in either direction.

View on HN

I'd say extremism when it comes to being healthy is, by definition, healthy.

Don't get me wrong: I drink socially and I'm fine with the occasional 'all-out' experiences, both for myself and others. Even if it is unhealthy.

But quitting alcohol entirely, aside from being a life-saving practice for some people, is in no way 'unhealthy'. So even if it is extreme (which I disagree with, many people don't drink at all), why would one consider this unhealthy?

It's not like he's going for an extreme carrots-only diet or something.

I'd disagree a litte. I wrote that post and for some people (like me) there just is not much a middle ground. Maybe I'm just too immature, impulsive, or I don't know what, but I can't moderate myself.

Have you seen Craig Ferguson talking about alcoholism? I thought it might be helpful for explaining to people. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZVWIELHQQY

How is not drinking alcohol extremism?

Maybe it is, but I'm saying that it is healthy.

I don't drink alcohol either. On some occasions, when I was offered alcohol I was more or less urged to justify my decision against it. I think It's alarming that people seem to have the notion that you have to decide against drinking alcohol instead of making the choice to do drink. For me, the extreme stance is to underestimate alcohol.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com