Skip to content

Wine Quote by John Green

“About nine seconds later, a blond stewardess rushed over to our row and said, “Sir, you can’t smoke on this plane. Or any plane.” “I don’t smoke,” he explained, the cigarette dancing in his mouth as he spoke. “But—” “It’s a metaphor,” I explained. “He puts the killing thing in his mouth but…” quote by John Green
Download Open image
““About nine seconds later, a blond stewardess rushed over to our row and said, “Sir, you can’t smoke on this plane. Or any plane.” “I don’t smoke,” he explained, the cigarette dancing in his mouth as he spoke. “But—” “It’s a metaphor,” I explained. “He puts the killing thing in his mouth but doesn’t give it the power to kill him.” The stewardess was flummoxed for only a moment. “Well, that metaphor is prohibited on today’s flight,” she said. Gus nodded and rejoined the cigarette to its pack.””

John Green

About This Quote

Source Film: The Fault in Our Stars (novel adaptation), 2014

A metaphor about allowing destructive habits to exist without letting them control you, highlighted by a stewardess forbidding metaphorical smoking on a flight.

In simple terms: Avoid letting harmful habits linger without control.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and limit destructive behaviors.

Themes

self‑control metaphor habit danger

Mood

thoughtful reflective

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • health decisions
  • stress management

Key Concepts

psychology symbolism self‑regulation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you keep harmful habits from gaining power?
  • What limits can you set on risky behaviors?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may oversimplify complex addiction dynamics.

3.6 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by John Green

Explore all 3,614 John Green quotes

More Wine quotes

Browse all 12,015 Wine quotes