Why were early coffeehouses called schools of wisdom?

Early coffeehouses were often referred to as "schools of wisdom" because they served as vital hubs for intellectual exchange, news, and social discourse. Unlike taverns, which served alcohol, these establishments provided a sober environment that fostered productive conversation and the sharing of ideas.1

In 17th-century London, coffeehouses functioned as essential gathering points where patrons could access Whig and Tory newspapers, engage in political debate, and conduct business ranging from insurance to stock trading. These venues also acted as informal centers for the arts and literature, where writers, actors, and artists would perform or discuss their work with their peers. By providing a space for the collection of news and the cultivation of intellectual life, coffeehouses became central to the social and political fabric of the era before the rise of daily newspapers and modern postal services.1