Interesting observation. I think it could be argued that the average nicotine user today us a dramatically different kind of person than they were then.

During the time frame that the user you replied to was referencing, nicotine consumption was the norm. Now, with the extensive change in societal perspective that nicotine consumption has undergone, those who still use gravitate towards the uneducated and less successful.

They smoked indoors back then

Sounds like you just don't like nicotine users, and your observation is a little biased.

I've worked with smokers and non-smokers, both unproductive and productive alike.

I would venture to say that a metric like social media use has a higher correlation with lack of productivity, wouldn't you?

Smoking is also a natural Pomodoro technique, you take the necessary breaks for smoking so that keeps you going more.

Now.

Back then you could smoke at your desk.

Which was unfortunate for the non-smokers.

Only now. In the seventies, you’d light one up at your desk and continue powering through your work.

So were the deadlines and incentives. Global thermonuclear war, anyone?

Real engineers smoke a pack of Marlboros a day.

Marlboros? Those are for interns. The real work was done by those smoking unfiltered Lucky Strikes.

Camel Straights... Two Humps!

Because they have to go outside to smoke?