From Man to Philosopher

"The fact is, the moment a man takes to a pipe, he becomes a philosopher. It's the poor man's friend; it calms the mind, soothes the temper, and makes a man patient under difficulties."
-Sam Slick, the clockmaker

I took up pipe smoking about a year ago.  A friend of mine from Indiana came down last August to do some fishing on the Ohio River and we decided to stop at a little tobacco store in West Virginia to pick up some cigars first.  We noticed some cheap corncob pipes for sale behind the counter and decided to forgo the cigars and try the pipes.  We were both immediately hooked.  During the past year I've upgraded my collection from the cheap corncob to the more expensive Peterson and Savinelli; just this past weekend I spent the most I've ever spent on a pipe for a larger Hardcastle.

I think the above quote is true.  There's something about holding a pipe and drawing in the smoke that turns a regular man into a philosopher.  You can't just sit and do nothing while smoking a pipe.  You must think, and you must think deeply.  The pipe demands it, and a dedicated smoker cannot defy his pipe. 

I will admit, I never pictured myself taking up pipe smoking.  It is, after all, a hobby generally associated with old bearded men.  But that's simply not true.  It is a great hobby to be enjoyed by men, or women, of any reasonable age. 

Well that's enough for now I suppose.  I should go out and fire up my pipe.  This is the first week of my philosophy class after all.  I need all the help I can get!