I'm not sure it can be said better than that.
It's interesting that tobacco users seem to always find an outlet.
At the same time cigarettes are becoming more and more vilified I see many young adults smoking. It's still "cool". And we've seen the amazing explosion of cigars since the early 90's. Now it's Hookah. Plenty of people who wouldn't think of smoking a cigarette, cigar or traditional pipe, will enthusiastically partake in hookah. It's quite hip these days and only a stone throw from the traditional pipe.
The point is people are going to find an outlet to indulge in pleasure, even guilty pleasures. (perhaps that's half the fun?) And as the landscape around tobacco shifts I believe we'll see more of a alliance between tobacco users in general and evolution of format preference. Sure overall use may be reduced but it simply cannot be eliminated.
So I don't write pipe smoking off just yet. Tipping points come quick these days. And I don't think it's at all unrealistic to think pipe smoking could become "cool" again. I really don't care because I don't smoke to be cool. But hey being cutting edge by being old school is indeed quite revolutionary.
Great read Tim. Thanks for posting it.
