It's a statement to the world.
We only get one life. In a world fraught with danger and disease at every turn, no sense being afraid of the little things.
That's much sexier than the alternative:
No way, I could get lung cancer in 25 years after developing a decimating, expensive habit.
Danger is sexy. Rationality and logic is boring. Live on the edge. Don't think, feel!
What shoddy craftmanship, on your part, God, to create such a flawed organism. A creature that sees danger and is inexplicably drawn toward it. Even more ludicrous is that I can foresee my own fall from grace ahead of time.
I'll be a smoker eventually.
As a nonbeliever, it's customary for me to think that we're all just worm food when we die (or we can sugarcoat it and call it 'returning to the planet' for the kids). Since we only get one life, what motivation is there, honestly, to arrive at your grave all clean and tidy and unspoiled? By the end of our lives, shouldn't we be totally used up and worn out because of all the fun we had?
My idealism about personal safety will die out. I can already see it weakening. By late-30's, I'll be that novelist who sits at a screen with a Marlboro hanging out of his mouth, the wall behind me marred by years of smoke.
At least we'll have universal health care by then.
I really love how you say "I'll be a smoker eventually". Its extremely matter-of-fact and therefor funny. Its a great example of the concept we discussed in class last week, that is, the idea that judgment can be expressed so long as the author is somewhat self deprecating.
ReplyDeleteYou end on such a subtly funny note also- "At least we'll have universal health care by then"-- Here's to hoping!
very well thought out and catchy..as a hookah enthusiast Im less sensitive to smoke than a non smoker but that aside I still found your post interesting.
ReplyDeleteThere tons of things that everyone does, excluding substances, that are bad, dangerous, and hazardous to the body. There's really no way someone could leave this planet clean, and maybe that's why they give up at a certain point on trying?
ReplyDeleteIt sure is interesting how we work... Why did God create a being that is so inexplicably drawn toward danger? You have wonderful speculations. I guess I don't like the smoking not because it is bad for you as much as it is gross and smells bad...
ReplyDeleteI think it is wonderful that you are so honest about what you think about it as well as the idea that you know yourself enough to think ahead to a time you will probably join the smoking world. I do not now, nor will I ever smoke for various reasons. I find it utterly unapealing and there are few things I find less attractive than someone who smokes. It doesn't matter how hot they are- as soon as I see the cigarette or smell the smoke I get grossed out.
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