Next week Quote by Neal Stephenson
““given all the other changes he’s gone through, why the hell shouldn’t he become a cigarette smoker while he’s at it? Maybe next week he’ll be shooting heroin. For something disgusting and lethal, cigarettes are amazingly enjoyable.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson, 1992
The character rationalizes smoking as a lesser evil compared to more dangerous habits, highlighting how people may choose the most tolerable vice when faced with multiple harmful options.
In simple terms: Choosing a less harmful bad habit over a worse one.
Key Takeaway
Consider the true cost of each habit.
Themes
addiction
rationalization
risk assessment
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- personal health decisions
- stress coping
- peer influence
- substance use
Key Concepts
behavioral economics
self‑control
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a habit seem acceptable?
- How do we compare different risks?
A Different Perspective
Even “less harmful” vices still cause damage.
![“All the shows we did pre-airdate, and I'd come out - "Rob Lowe!" - and it was [Offers bored applause.] After the show aired? I came out - "Rob Lowe!" - and the place was, like, bedlam. And then the next week, they wouldn't let anyone under the age of 20 into the audience. And I'm going, "So that's…” quote by Rob Lowe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/66b/rob-lowe-855_age_all-the-shows-we-did-pre-airdate-and-i-d_31307.jpg)
