“Well ya see, Norm, it’s like this.. A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That’s why you always feel smarter after a few beers.”
 – Cliff Clavin from “Cheers”
What Cliff fails to comprehend is that the herd does not depend on any individual member of the herd. A herd of buffalo can move faster than the slowest member simply by leaving that member behind. One could say that it isn’t until a buffalo has left the safety of the herd that it is liable to be taken by a predator. The predator is on relatively good terms with the herd even if it is eating individual animals. This is one of the issues discussed in Godel, Escher and Bach in the exchange involving the Anteater and the Ant Colony.
I do agree with Cliff about beer though. 🙂