Why Do Pipes Attract the Most Generous People in the World? It's a Stick!

[simnettpratt]

I don't yet know why pipes attract the most generous people in the world. It's a stick. We were not made generous by the pipe, it just attracts us, and smoking them is generally a most solitary and reflective thing, though it certainly can be used to breach social barriers and have you enjoying the company of someone not in your normal social circles.
We have all seen, and know, that pipes attract the most generous people in the world. What the heck is it? Anyone?

 

[jah76]

Tobacco and spirits in my family have always been something the "men" (and no disrespect to the ladies) have gathered around apart from the rest family gatherings. I remember as a boy going out on the porch and just playing on the floor as my Dad and Grandfather talked with Uncles and neighbors. I learned a lot just by osmosis. Like a generational absorption.
It might be fair to say that, that social aspect lends itself to the generosity that you bring up. That contemplative recognition that smokers tend to share and understand in each other. Hopefully that will continue to expand and smokers from all walks of life/gender/tax brackets will continue to congregate.

 

[papipeguy]

That happens more than we think. Many years ago I was working for a large pharma company in New York. I had to interact with a man who could be very difficult at times. After a few months I showed up in his office with my pipe , we could do that then, and he looked at me, opened a desk drawer, pulled out a pipe and tine of Mac Baren Golden Extra, which I happened to be smoking. Anyway, he loaded up and we smoked together and got business done. From that day forward we had a very good working relationship.

The pipe can serve as a bridge.

 

[CherokeeBilly]

I haven't quite figured it out yet. I have been given some amazing tobacco to try and gifted a few pipes. I keep asking myself why, why me. But I do have to agree, pipe and cigar smokers are some of the most generous people I have ever met. Maybe, just maybe its the nature of the smoke. You know, you have to slow down and contemplate things. Maybe during this time of reflection in a world that is dictate by going faster we have harkened back to a time when things were slower, simpler, and people generally cared for another. I dunno, but this place restores my quickly waning faith in humanity.

 

[metarzan]

It's true. I worked with a guy a few years ago who mentioned he smoked a pipe. I introduced him to the world of non-drugstore tobacco and he eventually had a pipe commissioned. We went in on orders together and wasted time at work talking about pipe stuff. Long story short, haven't talked to the guy in years and one day a package shows up with several blends for me to try. Awesome! Now we are back into swapping baccy and just sent him a tamper. Wish I knew more smokers personally but I do get a good feeling reading the forum usually. Sticks and leaves forever!

 

[wasatch]

For me, enjoying a pipe or cigar slows me down and makes me reflect on the things that matter the most in our world, which are people. I can only speak for myself and a small circle of friends who I occasionally share a smoke with, but I can't recall ever enjoying a pipe or a cigar and thinking about work, bills, material crap, etc. When I shift focus from these things to people, I am more inclined to be tuned into others' needs, pov's, etc. and capitalize on opportunities to help and interact with others.
Pipe smoking and enjoying a cigar is therapeutic, much like getting away from it all and camping, hiking, or exploring nature.
Imagine if just 50% of the people in our society partook in an activity that made them reflect on the things that matter the most. I believe it would have a profound effect.

 

[simnettpratt]

Wow gigger, outstanding response. I think you might have it; I agree with every word you just said.
I'm not a social person at all, and like to be alone, but I've taken to lunting around the neighborhood at first light, with the sole purpose of finding someone who notices the pipe. I might get to give a starter kit to a new or returning piper. If you see another piper, you're instant friends.

 

[woodsroad]

I will say that I've met some great folks via the pipe. But, (oh, you knew that word was headed your way), I can say the same about any number of my other interests that are populated by a select group of people who feel, in some way, isolated by their hobby.
The fact that pipe smokers are somewhat mellowed by their imbibement certainly adds to the atmosphere, though.

 

[jmsutton]

I've noticed the same thing. It seems that smoking pipes attracts people who have a desire for simpler things. One of things is sitting around and talking face to face rather than simply send a text message (ironic, since this is an digital forum). But those who smoke fine tobacco seem to enjoy simple things in life, which leads to legitimate and deeper conversation, which leads to better/sincere friendship.