Smoking as a Conservative Act
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I hate change. I've been sitting on a thumbtack all day. Once it seats itself all the way, what's the point in standing up to remove it?
Indeed, I think some have missed the point that in the context of the quote, conservatism is an antonym of modernity, not of liberalism. It's a statement championing slow deliberation over the breathless, breakneck pace of the contemporary, urbanized Western world. This world is one in which simply slowing down to a near halt and sitting down with a pipe, while allowing one's mind to wander or shut off altogether for a time, is an act of defiance of the "hustle" culture that has become so pervasive.From the linked essay:
But to me the most conservative element of smoking, especially when it comes to pipe smoking, is the deliberate effort it takes to stop what one is doing, fill the bowl, light, and enjoy the sensory experience of the smoke, either alone or in the company of a good friend. It is a contemplative, incarnational activity that stills and reunites the mind, body, and spirit, fosters quiet reflection, and becomes an act of conservative resistance to the hurried, efficiency-obsessed culture of modernity.
Good folks, pipe smoking, as described here, has nothing to do with political affiliation; it is, rather, about how one chooses to pace one's life.
I started smoking a pipe in college - over 50 years ago - because I thought it was an important part of being a "college man". (Neither of my parents, and only one of my four grandparents, used tobacco, so it was not something I grew up with.) I kept it up because I liked it. The fact that I try to keep a relaxed pace to my life has nothing to do with my political beliefs.
Enjoy your pipes.
A pipe, however enjoyable or helpful, is not necessary for this. Some may find this to be absurd, but when one sits in contemplation or clears one's mind with the aid of a pipe, they are engaging in a form of meditation. Sitting with a pipe and watching the trees and birds helps me reconnect with the real, natural world and helps me to stay human and sane. In that sense, I feel that it's good for me.
Conservative? Really? It could be agued that in today’s world. pipe smoking is a radical and antisocial behavior.
Anything that you do can be a vice. It’s all about moderation. And I would say communication with those around you.
You could argue that the ‘breakneck pace’ of the modern world began after the Industrial Revolution. It doesn’t get much more breakneck than working 10-12 hours a day, 6 days a week in a factory. Pipe smoking was still extremely popular during that time.
I think that the single biggest difference today (other than the surgeon general study from 1964) is the simple fact that people can’t (for the most part) smoke indoors in public places. I’d wager most people could easily keep up with their ‘break-neck’ office job while smoking a pipe, they could still scroll tik-tok while smoking a pipe, still do whatever else while smoking a pipe, they just aren’t allowed to smoke inside.
What does "conservative" even mean anymore? The list of young radicals who call themselves conservative is almost comic.
But yes, a pipe for me is definitely a moment of reflection and stepping out of the harried world around us. But so is walking through Central Park to clear my head. Is that conservative?
But yes, a pipe for me is definitely a moment of reflection and stepping out of the harried world around us. But so is walking through Central Park to clear my head. Is that conservative?
If "Conservative" is capitalized, politics is usually being discussed. And there are many, many shades of "Conservatism." Otherwise, I interpret "conservative" as a person slow to accept change. I stick with WFB's observations/writings when discussing true "Conservatism" politics and no other definition. Hopefully, I haven't stepped over the "line."
Well, I'm a Conservative, but one divested of religion or concern with fetuses. We exist, you know. I thought the article was specious fluff, written by someone in search of a theme. No harm in that, to anyone anywhere.
The general approach to pipe smoking seems to have changed over time. Once the primary method of tobacco consumption, mainly for the dose of nicotine it provided, it was surpassed in this role by cigarettes, which have also largely fallen out of favor. I think that, while some old school pipe smokers like this still exist, a greater number of people who pick up a pipe nowadays see it as more of a hobby and a leisure activity. Many are also attracted to the romance, if you will, of the pipe - an opportinity to figuratively travel back to a bygone era. Most pipe smokers are probably not walking around with a pipe hanging from their jaw all day in 2025. I personally see it as eminently relaxing, because I have to put everything else aside for a while (except maybe a beverage and some music) to really enjoy it. I forget about the passage of time and all of my worries when I smoke a pipe, and I just exist in that moment. That, to me, easily offsets any potential risks.
Still, not everyone sees a hobby or passtime in the same way. Some people find music energizing, some find it relaxing. Some see pipes as another form of nicotine intake, and some see smoking a bowl as a meditative experience.
I prefer opera, classical music, literature, medieval, Renaissance, and Golden Age theater. I don't like reggaeton, e-cigarettes, modern art, modern theater, or modern music, I mean, now. A good and authentic pipe smoker should be a person whose foundation is based on respect and politeness toward others, regardless of their ideology and religion. But I detest barbarism, which includes narcissism, pride, and envy. I am a conservative, yes.
I'm not sure if we are reading the same essay; there is politics woven all through it. Did you click the link or are you just referring to the posted excerpt?
Apparently, according to Vanity Fair, eating a diet high in protein makes you conservative.
Elvis has left the building.
(Please, this is reply is meant as a satirical take on the meaning of the word conservative and is not meant as a position on anything else)
Elvis has left the building.
(Please, this is reply is meant as a satirical take on the meaning of the word conservative and is not meant as a position on anything else)
I don't really think it matters what it meant.
This is one of the most civil forums that I have ever been a part of. But, that said, if we were around one another every day, we would not agree with one another on every single topic. In fact, many of us may not agree on much at all.
But, while this is the case, we all do share a common interest and enjoyment and while we are on the forum, we are pretty much a peaceable group.
Heck, I can't say that about all of my relatives, ha.
This is one of the most civil forums that I have ever been a part of. But, that said, if we were around one another every day, we would not agree with one another on every single topic. In fact, many of us may not agree on much at all.
But, while this is the case, we all do share a common interest and enjoyment and while we are on the forum, we are pretty much a peaceable group.
Heck, I can't say that about all of my relatives, ha.
The real question is what is the best shape of pipe for the beginner and what blend should he or she start with?
USE THE SEARCH FEATURE NEWBIE!!
The true conservative smokes a smooth straight billiard. Bearded misfits (redundant) smoke bents. Yuppies smoke blowfishes. Working class folk smoke cobs. Bohemians smoke authors. Wealthy dilettantes smoke freehands.
Or so I heard. Members of this forum just smoke what they like, though.