Despite some pessimistic notes struck here, e.g. by BillD above, that we are permanently stuck with the horrible habit, I do think I perceive some hopeful signs that it might not last too many more generations. In my youth, it was, not unacceptable exactly, but slightly eccentric, to be a non-smoker. Now, though, it has gone somewhat to the other extreme, and those who do smoke often come over as rather apologetic about it. The success of the UK government's "No smoking in places of public resort" legislation, as I think I have remarked already in another post, is amazing. Visitors, as I have said, seem to think it would be unmannerly to smoke in my home anywhere except out in the garden, though I assure them that my hospitality would not be outraged by a few hours of lingering tobacco smell.

All these seem to be straws in the wind to indicate the ultimate demise of smoking. Not immediately; but I think in a few generations it may well have gone the way of chewing tobacco quids.

Hope so, anyhow.

~Michael~