Often it is said, that tobacco is the devil’s best friend, but I must disagree.

Pipe smoking is a very unique activity and I must speak up for it. In fact, I can think of three reasons why pipe smoking is such a wonderful hobby and why my life is better because of it.

The first reason concerns the tobacco itself. Pipe tobacco is considerably different from cigarette tobacco. Not only are there different blends that, for example, mix the sweet Virginia leaf with the smoky flavor of Latakia.

Also, the actual chemical nicotine is handled differently. Nicotine if puffed quickly, as it is in a cigarette, becomes a stimulative. However, when smoked slowly, as in the case of a pipe, it becomes a sedative and produces a calming effect.

Not only is the mind-set different between a cigarette smoker and a pipe smoker but the chemistry is distinctive for the pipe smoker as well.

Pipe smoking also encourages community. In today’s college environment, people are so busy that days are planned down to the minute, which is terrible.

Since the school week demands so much, people do not relax until it is the weekend (and sadly loud parties do not make for good conversation). Over the course of my smoking hour, I sit on the benches and dialogue with people from all sorts of places. I learn and grow with quality individuals that are Hindus, Jews, and Christians. It’s always going to be an adventure when I leave my dorm room with pipe in hand.

The third reason is that it is simply enjoyable. There is something delightfully relaxing and pleasurable about pulling out one’s prized pipe, filling it with quality tobacco and settling down.

One has to respect the pipe, tamping it when the embers grow weak, puffing at just the right pace, and then relighting at just the perfect time. When finished, you must respect your pipe and clean it well; otherwise the next smoke will be poor and sour.

It might sound like work, but it is pure pleasure, and when done properly, one can almost hear Handel’s Messiah playing from the heavens.

The simple point I want to make is this: pipe smoking requires an entirely different frame of mind than any other form of tobacco consumption. It is not based on any crass addiction.

Rather, it has value because it relies on the taste of a good blend, the skill of the smoke and the pleasure of friendship. Pipe smoking is a beautiful thing that should be given its fair chance in society and my life is better because of it.

Joseph Gilbert started pipe smoking two years ago in the mountains of Canada and never looked back. He can be reached at [email protected].