Tobacco, divine, rare, superexcellent tobacco, which goes far beyond all the panaceas, potable gold, and philosophers stones, a sovereign remedy to all diseases but as it is commonly abused by most men, which take it as tinkers do ale, ‘Tis a plague, a mischief, a violent purger of goods, lands, health; hellish, devilish and damned tobacco, the ruin and overthrow of body and soul.
—Robert Burton (1577–1640) English Scholar, Clergyman
Pipe-smokers spend so much time cleaning, filling and fooling with their pipes, they don’t have time to get into mischief.
—Burton Hillis (William E. Vaughan) (1915–77) American Columnist, Author
Much smoking kills live men and cures dead swine.
—George D. Prentice (1802–70) American Journalist, Editor
Smokers, male and female, inject and excuse idleness in their lives every time they light a cigarette.
—Colette (1873–1954) French Novelist, Performer
The Germans are the most philosophic people in the world, and the greatest smokers: now I trace their philosophy to their smoking. Smoking has a sedative effect upon the nerves, and enables a man to bear the sorrows of this life (of which every one has his share) not only decently, but dignifiedly.
—George Borrow (1803–81) English Writer, Traveler
To cease smoking is the easiest thing I ever did. I ought to know because I’ve done it a thousand times.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist
But when I don’t smoke I scarcely feel as if I’m living. I don’t feel as if I’m living unless I’m killing myself.
—Russell Hoban (1925–2011) American Novelist, Children’s Writer
There’s nothing quite like tobacco: it’s the passion of decent folk, and whoever lives without tobacco doesn’t deserve to live.
—Moliere (1622–73) French Playwright
A cigarette is the perfect type of a perfect pleasure. It is exquisite, and it leaves one unsatisfied. What more can one want?
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) Irish Poet, Playwright
There are some circles in America where it seems to be more socially acceptable to carry a hand-gun than a packet of cigarettes.
—Katharine Whitehorn (1928–2021) English Journalist, Writer, Columnist
The best way to stop smoking is to carry wet matches.
—Unknown