Why You Think Smoking Is Cool

How the tobacco industry got inside your head

100 million people died from smoking in the 20th century.

More than World War 2 (75 million). More than the Spanish flu (50 million).

Everybody knows that smoking is bad for you. Everyone knows that it gives you lung cancer. And I know you’re sick of hearing about it. But actually, the dangers are still understated.

People around the world continue to rationalise their cigarette use.

I’ll quit when I’m older. It’s not that bad. My 86 year old grandmother smokes and she’s ok. Everybody has to die sometime. I just want to enjoy life now.

The problem is, it’s hard to keep rationalising your smoking habit when you’re hooked up to a ventilator 24/7 to keep you alive.

“I went from being able to travel and see the world, to confining my life either at home or in the hospital. It’s all because of cigarettes” — Brian

Lung cancer. Throat cancer. All kinds of cancers. Bronchitis. Heart attacks. Strokes. Macular degeneration.

If you’re somebody who prefers to “live in the moment” and doesn’t worry about future consequences, then consider the following: