---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I think that smoking is a very good thing…"
description: "\"I think that smoking is a very good thing to do - it's got the association with the Indians; it's a peaceable thing. But like much else that the Indian..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/deb/van-dyke-parks-43011_association_i-think-that-smoking-is-a-very-good-thin_2499099.png"
---

#  I think that smoking is a very good thing to do - it's got…

![“I think that smoking is a very good thing to do - it's got the association with the Indians; it's a peaceable thing. But like much else that the Indians gave us, we abused the privilege. And so, in my case I must simply stop. I'm too old to smoke. But I do believe that nicotine provides a great…” quote by Van Dyke Parks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/deb/van-dyke-parks-43011_association_i-think-that-smoking-is-a-very-good-thin_2499099.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/deb/van-dyke-parks-43011_association_i-think-that-smoking-is-a-very-good-thin_2499099.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/deb/van-dyke-parks-43011_association_i-think-that-smoking-is-a-very-good-thin_2499099.png)

> “I think that smoking is a very good thing to do - it's got the association with the Indians; it's a peaceable thing. But like much else that the Indians gave us, we abused the privilege. And so, in my case I must simply stop. I'm too old to smoke. But I do believe that nicotine provides a great creative thrust.”

[Van Dyke Parks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/van-dyke-parks/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He acknowledges smoking’s cultural roots and creative boost, but decides to quit for health.

**In simple terms:** He quits smoking despite creative benefits.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize health over habit.

Themes

health creativity culture

Mood

reflective introspective

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

- artist routines
- health decisions
- creative rituals
- aging considerations

Key Concepts

nicotine influence cultural heritage

Questions to Reflect On

- What healthy habits can replace creative boosts?
- How does culture influence personal habits?

A Different Perspective

Creative alternatives may be less immediate.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

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> [“Whenever you think about smoking you must see it as a lifetime’s chain of filth, disease, fear, misery and slavery.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/allen-carr/whenever-you-think-about-smoking-you-must-see-it-as-a-lifetime-s/)

[Allen Carr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/allen-carr/)

> [I'm a complete libertarian. I think it's very, very dangerous. I really mean that. I think the smoking ban is a tip of an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeremy-irons/i-m-a-complete-libertarian-i-think-it-s-very-very-dangerous-i-really/)

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[Carrie Nation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carrie-nation/)

## More by Van Dyke Parks

> [Well, to me, the tensile strength and the very definition of an artist is something that I would place at the top of a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/van-dyke-parks/well-to-me-the-tensile-strength-and-the-very-definition-of-an-artist/)

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> [You know, any sane magician would never reveal his method of deception. And I don't think that a sensible musician would either.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/van-dyke-parks/you-know-any-sane-magician-would-never-reveal-his-method-of-deception/)

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