In his book "At Home: A Short History of Private Life," Bill Bryson explores the various theories surrounding the origins of communal living. Felipe Fernández-Armesto suggests that at least thirty-eight different explanations exist for why humans began to form communities. These theories range from environmental changes to emotional bonds with the deceased, indicating a complex interplay of factors influencing this significant shift in human behavior.

Among the speculated reasons, the idea that a communal love for brewing and consuming beer necessitated settling in one location adds a unique perspective. This highlights how social activities like drinking could have motivated early humans to establish permanent habitats, shaping the development of societies and ultimately leading to the modern concept of home.