To my fellow pipe smokers: This is my 3000th post on the site, most of them relating to pipes and tobaccos smoked—and most of them quite pleasurable. And, as a double header, it has been 65 years that I have been a pipe smoker. How did I get this far? One day at a time. And it all started when I was a college freshman, and I saw all the guys (they were guys back then,) smoking their pipes and it looked so cool. So I got my hands on a pipe and some tobacco. It was a package deal: I bought a box of Edgeworth Executive, and there was a Bent Bulldog attached. I filled the pipe—rather inexpertly I must admit—and started away. With my first puff, I realized that this was exactly what I wanted; I was a pipe smoker! I have no idea what became of that pipe—it disappeared over the years. But I’ve also acquired a few pipes—135 or thereabouts, and they run the gamut from reasonably inexpensive to several Dunhills or other pipes in the somewhat expensive category. 65 years—a good rebuttal to those who wish to inform me of the dangers of pipe smoking.. When I ask my wife if she would want me to quit, she says that the look of pleasure that comes over me when I light up gives her such delight that wishes I would never quit. And I’ve picked the pipe that I want for my last smoke, assuming I have the strength and the ability to select a pipe, and ask those in attendance to give to me. And, God willing, they will remove it from my hands when I have taken my final puff.
And so, fellow pipe smokers, puff away. Do what you are doing, and enjoy it all the way. We are participants in a hobby that gives us unbridled pleasure. Is it unhealthy? Read the literature. For example, the 1964 Surgeon General’s report condemns cigarettes out of hand. They certainly do shorten life expectancy. But here’s what they never tell you: on average, pipe smokers live two years longer than non-smokers! So never fear—enjoy your pipes. Yes, they’re a bit messy, but the pluses far outweigh the minuses. Unhealthy? Well, I’ve got 65 years of experience that says it isn’t. And if it should happen that my doctor tells me that I’ve reached my use by date, and the cause is my pipe smoking, I will smile and say it has been worth it.
So puff on! And if you’ve been smoking longer than I have, please let me know. And the rest of you: keep at it. You know how great the hobby is. Keep your pipes clean and polished, because they do smoke better that way. Enjoy the hobby. Here’s to all of you! May you all keep smoking for another 65 years.
And so, fellow pipe smokers, puff away. Do what you are doing, and enjoy it all the way. We are participants in a hobby that gives us unbridled pleasure. Is it unhealthy? Read the literature. For example, the 1964 Surgeon General’s report condemns cigarettes out of hand. They certainly do shorten life expectancy. But here’s what they never tell you: on average, pipe smokers live two years longer than non-smokers! So never fear—enjoy your pipes. Yes, they’re a bit messy, but the pluses far outweigh the minuses. Unhealthy? Well, I’ve got 65 years of experience that says it isn’t. And if it should happen that my doctor tells me that I’ve reached my use by date, and the cause is my pipe smoking, I will smile and say it has been worth it.
So puff on! And if you’ve been smoking longer than I have, please let me know. And the rest of you: keep at it. You know how great the hobby is. Keep your pipes clean and polished, because they do smoke better that way. Enjoy the hobby. Here’s to all of you! May you all keep smoking for another 65 years.
