Historians credit coffeehouses as pivotal in the English Enlightenment. Far from today's creamy lattes, these spots served bitter brews. Yet, they thrived as intellectual hubs. Samuel Price, an early coffee merchant, touted coffee's health benefits in 1690, claiming it prevented ailments like gout and scurvy. Modern cafes, however, lack the vibrant discourse of their predecessors. Today, people are more glued to screens than engaging in lively debates. Coffee's role has evolved, but its power to spark conversation remains legendary.
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