I hated tobacco. I could have almost lent my support to…
“I hated tobacco. I could have almost lent my support to any institution that had for its object the putting of tobacco smokers to death...I now feel that smoking in moderation is a comfortable and laudable practice, and is productive of good. There is no more harm in a pipe than in a cup of tea. You may poison yourself by drinking too much green tea, and kill yourself by eating too many beefsteaks. For my part, I consider that tobacco, in moderation, is a sweetener and equalizer of the temper.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author argues that moderate tobacco use is harmless compared to other risks, suggesting a relativistic view of harm.
In simple terms: Moderate smoking seen as relatively safe.
Key Takeaway
Consider risk in context.
Themes
risk
moderation
comparisons
health
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- diet choices
- smoking habits
- health policy
Key Concepts
relativism
risk assessment
public health
Questions to Reflect On
- Is any habit truly harmless?
- How do we weigh different health risks?