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Re:Reasons 2016 was a great year for humanity by entropyneur on Tuesday December 27, 2016 @11:03AM (#13263873)
> Less smoking is very good for the population health.

But what is population health good for if not enjoying life? Including (for some people) things like smoking a cigarette.

Re:Reasons 2016 was a great year for humanity by _ph_ on Tuesday December 27, 2016 @12:39PM (#13264552)
An interesting question. With many things we have to balance the fun of the moment with the long term consequences, even with plain food. But with smoking, especially cigarettes, this is a quite one-sided balance. Even without the risk of cancer, every single cigarette will do considerable, irrevocable harm to your lungs. And I know few people wo smoke lightly, Nikotin is extremely addictive. Finally, there is the impact on other people, if one smokes in their presence.
Re:Reasons 2016 was a great year for humanity by entropyneur on Tuesday December 27, 2016 @01:29PM (#13264934)
I guess I shortened my point too much to make it sound pretty. The real fun being taken away here is of course not smoking, but making your own choices. I myself kicked a very bad smoking habit for the exact reasons you mention.
Re:Reasons 2016 was a great year for humanity by exedore6 on Tuesday December 27, 2016 @12:20PM (#13264413)
Isn't a big part of the enjoyment satiating the addiction? With fewer people smoking (and non-smoke methods of getting a nicotine fix), I still see this as a great thing.
Re:Reasons 2016 was a great year for humanity by entropyneur on Tuesday December 27, 2016 @01:23PM (#13264862)
As a former nicotine addict, that's the only part. But what difference does it make? The pleasure is as real as any other.

Of course fewer people smoking is a great thing. It's just not great enough to justify taking away somebody's freedom to choose for themselves.

Re:Reasons 2016 was a great year for humanity by noobermin on Tuesday December 27, 2016 @03:27PM (#13265927)
You assume the majority of smokers are either a) not new smokers and b) aren't actively trying to quit.