Silence, Solitude, And the Philosophy of Pipe Smoking
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2021
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"Government and societal crusades against pipe smoking completely miss the point: the unhealthy addiction of our time is the constant need to fill our daily life with phones, texts, screens, machines, and the technological noise of a world gone mad." - wisdom and truth
This is the long-discredited "back in my day" fallacy. Humans are no different than we were many thousands of years ago, yet our personal experience in life is so new to us and so extremely limited that the majority of us are unable to see the bigger pictures. The methods of feeding and enabling our addictions and absurdities and delusions and neuroses change constantly, it is true, but the human condition - including everything from entropy to evolution - is a constant. We live in a contradictory universe: everything changes yet nothing changes.
And I'll say that I heartily disagree with all this anti-government railing and bullshit being shoved down the throats of conservative America. It has no basis in fact whatsoever. Yes, there is always government mismanagement and abuse of power. However, it doesn't matter what human is in charge: he or she will abuse their position because power corrupts. So, is it the "government's" fault, truly? No. We as a species are disgracefully inadequate in the areas of human rights and dignity, taking care of each other, being kind and understanding. Doesn't matter what stupid fucking human you choose. We are all horrible, all capable of gross atrocities and tender mercies; we simply choose the former far more frequently.
I’m a 25 year old Irish pipe smoker and you have hit the nail on the head, Sir! I’m an old soul and I loathe this social media generation and all the mental health problems that come with it. I’m so glad I found this channel. I’ve subscribed!
Hello my friend, 18 year old American here. Glad this resonated with you too. It's a shame people like us probably won't meet because we are too busy smoking alone lol
29 year old here from America and I agree with both you and the video. I could somewhat imagine the dynamic. I've had the pleasure of smoking with an older Irish Mason whom I've met through work. I enjoyed our conversation and time spent together. I miss the ways of the old gentleman and the class associated with it.
Totally agree Patrick, as 78 year old also here in Ireland who’s been puffing and blowing for over forty years, and who has seen many many changes, more than ever now is the time to sit and totally enjoy one’s favourite tobacco in one’s favourite pipe, my but it’s truly beautiful to just be able to sit and contemplate the world around us, I can understand how the great men and women in the past were able to invent and create wonderful and brilliant things, by just being able to sit at peace and think through the haze of they’re favourite tobacco, reminds me of how the Native American Indians were able to sit and smoke “a pipe of peace” and thereby quell a war, I think it was Einstein that said great things happen as our thoughts rise to the heavens, happy days. 🖖
A 63 year old here from Liverpool UK. Watching this video made me think. When I am enjoying a Bowl, now and then, I am usually slowed right down, either reading a good Book, maybe having an hour with the Fishing Rod or just sat at home pondering my own thoughts. If that`s what a Pipe does then I am all for it my friends 😊
40 years old here from Milan Italy, an extremely chaotic city that never stops running. There are 3 plants that mother nature has given us and that I honor in solitude by allowing only the company of my cat. Camelia Sinensis, Vitis Vinifera and Nicotiana Tobacum. Transfer me to a deserted island far from human beings, I would leave tomorrow but not without some seeds and a vine branche of these 3 plants. Nice channel.
Smoking a pipe with a friend. Yes. I remember years ago smoking with a friend who is gone now. He and I enjoyed a bowl and talked neither about tobacco nor pipes but sat and enjoyed our friendship talking about religion, philosophy or politics, and sometimes baseball. That was many many years ago and I miss those days, and I miss him.
I used to do the same at my buddy’s house, in college in the mid-‘90s. There were evenings I would stop over, & we would sit & smoke our pipes & barely say a word. I miss those days!
We should all have good friends such as yours. I have found that pipe smoking can invoke deep intellectual conversations at times, but it is equally nice to enjoy a pipe in good company without the need to have discussion at all.
Thanks for sharing! It seems the nature of happiness is to be transient.
I don't think a lot of people understand how important those kind friendships are. I have been in a similar place and have moved and now realize just how important it was. Pipes, cigars, whiskey, and food were the opening to many a great night of conversations.
I'm convinced that this man is 87 years old....and I completely agree with him. Well said, sir.
Sir, I am guilty of sitting down with my pipe and checking my phone at the same time. But this week, I found myself sitting outside with a bowl full of Ratrays Westminster tobacco WITHOUT my phone and I can honestly say it was the most relaxing and enjoyable smoke I could ever remember having.
Ironically, this video popped up and I immediately subscribed. Why? Because there is nothing more mentally soothing as sitting down alone with my dog beside me, a nice toss of whiskey, blues playing in the background, a fire blazing if in the winter and a nicely flavored bowl at your fingertips. Oh yeah… the lights need to be very dim
I couldn’t have said it better myself. Amen!
The blues should be something by Billie Holiday....... I should think.
Even when I was young, I realized how many people were so uncomfortable with silence. It just blows my mind.
Still that way today. I'm in my 20s and my generation is totally uncapable of producing a meaningful conversation.
In a hurry to go nowhere. No truer words have been spoken recently.
When I smoke my pipe alone and reflect I often end up in prayer.
This is absolutely me! No one I know smokes a pipe. I smoke mine with total relish and I always spend it in contemplation and prayer.
This is my new favorite channel!
This really hit home. After getting sober, I found myself swept into the rat race, smart phone in hand, consuming as much information I could, tasked with making up for the last 15 years of wasted life. 8 years later I find myself missing aspects of my former life, the peace and quiet, the solitude, the ability to think. Though I was usually drunk, I had not yet done serious damage to my brain and enjoyed the long continuous inner dialogue with my mind about whatever might trouble me, or whatever problems presented themselves. I believe these technologies affect our minds in ways we do not know, and I say this after 8 years of steady digital use, now suffering from sleepless nights, scattered thought processes, and short term memory loss which seem to be a product of the rat race and the constant scrolling, and consuming of information, never having a moment to breathe and reflect upon or process what was just read because the next article, the next post, the next reel awaits becoming me to not fall behind, to not miss out on anymore life; and you won’t find me falling behind again! These were not problems I suffered previously, perhaps because I was self medicating with alcohol, or perhaps, because they are byproducts of participating in a world gone mad. I see the madness, it’s all around, I am well informed about the madness today. It’s disquieting, disturbing, and in some cases outright disgusting. I was drawn to the pipe as a youth because of the smell and the seemingly intelligent, quiet, thoughtful, and sometimes distinguished men I saw smoking them. Today, I have the ability to participate in the hobby of pipe smoking; going on a couple months since I started, I noticed I was rushing through the tobacco, burning my tongue and not enjoying the process. I have learned to set time aside to, try to reach those moments where I can again experience peace of mind, think, reflect, and step out of the madness if only for a short time, to enjoy some of the amazing flavors and aromas provided for by the wonderful art of smoking a pipe. Thank you for the video and giving me a place to share my thoughts. And, thank you for being the embodiment of all those things that drew me to smoking a pipe.
I am in my forties and your channel and also Muttnchop Piper are my favorite channels and I am 2 weeks into pipe smoking now in Belgium, Europe. Thank you so much for your kind and wise words and for sharing your struggles and philosophy. The more videos I watched from you, the more I realized that we are on the same wavelength, if you know what I mean. Now I have watched them all and subscribed for more. The world is short of gentlemen and people with common sense. And I am not going to talk about the government because that makes my blood boil. Europe has become a joke, an ethnical zoo and a political circus. Just like the fall of the Roman Empire, Europe is going to fall too by invasion of Barbarians and by misuse of government money. I'm an airline pilot flying one of its major airlines and I just quit my job. I'm getting paid a school teacher's salary for transporting almost 200 people in a plane and I literally work my butt off. I don't want do do it anymore for the peanuts they pay! My girlfriend also has a farm with horses. She does 3 jobs to make ends meet and I help her too. I sometimes wonder what the point of life is. Your videos make me feel good, knowing that there are people who have been through the same. And... I am enjoying my pipe too, because it helps me to slow down in this world gone mad. Spread the love!
Makes me think of sitting with my dad he seldom spoke but when he did I listened I’m proud to have his memory and his pipes.
I haven’t even got my first pipe yet. But I’m so glad I found this channel you sir are a breath of fresh air
I grew up in Rural NC. You bring me memories of seeing older gentlemen smoking pipes out by the barber shop. They’re why I took it up to begin with. Thanks for what you do.
A lovely reflection. Thank you, sir, for sharing...
As a teacher, parent, and young man, your message resonates with me deeply. This generation and society have lost the ability to be alone with our thoughts. The very idea of boredom is a mystery to people today due to smartphones. I love smoking pipes and cigars, and finding myself drawn to pipes more lately. It has to do with the art form of slowing the moment down to enjoy peace and quiet. Thank you for a great video!
Well said Alan.
When I again took up the pipe after 30 years I thought I would enjoy a pipe while watching sport. But no I found it is better to enjoy my pipe at a time that is more conducive to a quiet mental state. I have found that, as you mentioned, apart from contemplation, conversation and reading are the only activities that match well my time with the pipe.
I agree with you Stuart, I myself gave up smoking 38 years ago , and I always thought that if I ever got anything nasty like an illness , I would start enjoying a pipe now and then , I was diagnosed with prostrate cancer two years ago and although they can't cure it they can treat it , so it doesn't matter If I enjoy the rest of my life doing something I like , pipe smoking takes you to another place at your own pace in your own time . Alan is right with all he's said in a relaxed manner . So enjoy your life and if pipe smoking is part of that process then Enjoy my friend .
@@carlarthur4442 Some years ago, my best friend and I would sit for hours each weekend on his front porch and enjoy our pipes and escape the trappings of the work-week. He lived out in the country, far away from the noises of the city. We named that porch The Relaxitorium. Eventually he moved away, and that porch was lost to us. He has moved several time since, and each time we would find space to sit and smoke as we had always done. We came to realize and I have often said "relaxitorium isn't a place, it's a state-of-mind."
I just started smoking a pipe this month. When i was young I spent many of hours in a combine with my grandfather as he cut wheat and smoked a pipe.
The memories that were brought back by enjoying a pipe in solitude are priceless.
You sir remind me of him alot with your soft spoken words .
I don't think I've heard a more straight forward philosophy of smoking pipe. People do need to slow down and just think for while. Cheers good sir.
Extremely well articulated.
I discovered this channel after rediscovering my affinity for the pipe world and I couldn't be more pleased. These videos and the insight is exactly what I was looking for as I found my way back. As a more mature person than when I bought my first pipe, the details and greater philosophy surrounding pipe smoking and tobacco is all the more alluring and I can't wait for more. My father is a Virginian and I was raised with a healthy dose of Southern influence, so while I currently reside in Maine, this channel is good medicine. Thank you for sharing this with us and I look forward to supporting the Old Carolina Pipe Cottage by stocking up on some magnificent blends. Cheers!
Thank you my brother!! Nice to know there are people who share the same philosophy as I in this world of madness. Happy smoking
Been on the pipe for a couple of years. Thanks for reminding me why I enjoy it. You pretty much summed it up perfectly!!
Thank you.
I was searching for why I enjoy the occasional pipe when I get absolutely no “hit” from it. You described it exactly. Thank you.
3:30 talking about the avoidance of silence is brilliant. People don’t like to dwell on their sins.
Thank you sir, i do enjoy my solitude, always have. As a young’n I spent a lot a time alone in the woods. Matter of fact one of my favorite ways to enjoy the pipe is in the woods. I love camping far away from people, my tent, or just sleeping bag, my pipe and a good campfire.
You, my young friend, are a kindred spirit. You may have already heard this, but I am going to say something that was told to me three decades ago -- you have wisdom beyond your years.
"With their espresso in-hand and their laptop in-face". Splendid turn of phrase, Sir.
Well said. We surround ourselves with noise and commotion, seemingly afraid of the contemplation silence brings.
Thanks for putting into words what is becoming my philosophy of life. Thankfully it's never too late to gain better perspective.
I cannot give this commentary enough thumbs up 👍👍👍👍. Well said sir.
I think you speak truth. I don’t have a Facebook account for instance. When I smoke my pipe I take my time and do so in solitude. I wanted to be a pipe smoker from age 7, 5 decades ago.
Great video man. Awesome points some of which I have been saying for YEARS!!!!
In the mad world of tech that we live in, I'm glad to have watched your video. May your days be blessed and your pipes be filled with peace.
I just found you on TH-cam today. I found you originally through mutual friends on Instagram. I really enjoy your shop and I would rather give a little shop my money than “big brother”. Love your philosophical intake on pipe smoking. I’m 28 year old and definitely appreciate your perspective. Please continue putting out good content!
I just came in from my back patio where I enjoyed a nice pipeful of Lane's Ready Rubbed and watched this video, agreeing with every word.
Well I'm with you. Brilliantly said.
Please continue posting. You have taught me a lot so far about not just pipes, but life in general. Furthermore, the videos are thereuputic.
This is the most extraordinary channel I have come across. Thank you sir.
I recently discovered your channel when I saw your interview with Spurgeon. I love this video as it embodies what drew me to graduate from a occasional enjoyment to a regular practice of pipe smoking. The solitude and the reflection are essential elements of life and what better way to dig deep and see what's under the surface. Cheers, and here's to many happy smokes!
Nicely crafted soliloquy. I agree with pretty much everything stated here. I'm not a smoker (of any kind) myself, but channels like this make me consider smoking a pipe - or even cigars.
Very much enjoy your channel. Thank you for sharing your great approach to pipe smoking philosophy/history. 👍🏽🙏🏽
Pipe smoking is a great opportunity to reflect on life, peace, silence. ❤️
Another excellent video!
A gentleman wise beyond his years. What he has shared about the philosophy of pipe smoking can well be said also of enjoying a good hand rolled cigar. We are drawn away to the place of quietness and reflection. Classical music can also be very meditative and helpful during our times of solitude.
I am so glad I found your channel. I had forgotten why I'd started smoking a pipe in the first place, to get outside, to get out from in front of a screen, to sit and think and read.
I really resonated with this video Alan. Strangely, this topic really began to nag at me since i started smoking my pipe more often(last 2 months). I found myself hurredly packing the pipe and rushing for the lighter. Not because i was so anxious to smoke it, but because thats the mindset im in most of the time. Hurried. Rushing to finish another day. And really have no idea why. I began recognizing this, and intentionally slowing down, enjoying the process of cleaning, packing, smoking my pipes... I recently started leaving my phone inside when i smoke. Something about that distraction seems counter to pipe smoking. I look at it now like if Im going to smoke, what can I ponder or set my mind to while I smoke, that will benefit me and my household. Its a good challenge. Thanks for this video.
Allen, what an absolute joy. I’m turning my phone off this instant.
Your comment about platitudes reminded me of a quote from CS Lewis. " A pipe gives a wise man time to think and a fool something to put in his mouth"
You and I think alike. I have just recently come to discover the joys of the pipe after several years of cigar smoking. Solitude and reflection, both essential to mental wellness and physical health, go hand in hand with these activities. When you get your brick and mortar store, I shall make a pilgrimage to the cottage in order to obtain good tobacco and take the opportunity to enjoy a delicious smoke and edifying conversation. Keep making your videos in this loud, busy word, and I am convince that your quiet and well tempered voice will be heard by those of us who need the reminder.
I turn 60 this year and I have been smoking pipes for 30 years, l only recently found your channel and I must say , I love your work sir. I feel we are most certainly kindred spirits.
Wonderful. More of this type of content, please.
You are speaking to and from my hart. Yes sir. Thank you. Be well my friend. “Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.”
Your words bring this young man's heart comfort. Thank you Sir!
Very wise words, Alan!
Funny how I can relate so much to the words read here, and I just started smoking a pipe last week.
I’m a 23 year old just getting into the community after being a cigar smoker for years and I use your videos to study the cadence as to when I take a hit from the pipe. I know it goes against the message of this video but I feel as though I’m having a conversation with you even though I’m just taking it all in, just like the smoke.
I appreciate your words. I think it's also important for each pipe smoker to set up rules on smoking. One thing I've seen is people getting addicted to collecting pipes because they believe that's what makes them a pipe smoker, is having all the bells and whistles. Another thing they think is smoking multiple bowls a day makes them pipe smokers, or spending thousands of dollars on blends and such is what makes them a pipe smoker. Setting rules with yourself and your pipe is essential. The pipe isn't just equipment, it's part of your personality. It's almost like an entity in itself. You respect it just like you would respect a lover. That is what our consumeristic society is all about brands and who can smoke more or smoke the most expensive blends and such. When just like you said. It's actually about the thinking mind. I've recently been thinking about it for the past few years now about getting a pipe. I'm a woman so it's unusual. But like you said, if you think about pipe smoking then that must mean the pipe is meant for you. I never wanted to get into weed or commercial cigars or cigarettes because of what it stands for. I like your philosophy and understanding of what it is and what it's supposed to do for the human mind.
The only thing I would add in this whole content is a bit of a pinch of good ganga in the middle of my mix it gives you a better and deeper way to enjoy all the benefits you spoke of 👍🤠
This is probably my favorite video of yours so far.
“Espresso in hand, and laptop in face.” 😂 Nice.
Was recently drawn to pipe smoking, and while researching came across this video. I now realize that it is the philosophy, silence and solitude you describe I was really searching for. Thank you for your wonderful presentation. First pipe and accessories on order, and now I am searching for the perfect spot for my first smoke.
Excellent piece of advice the world is moving to fast thank god I live up hear in the Scottish Highlands of Inverness
Pipe smoking goes good when im on the porch on a rainy day by myself, or when im fishing or when im at the park on a beautiful day, it also goes good sitting by the fireplace with a bourbon on the rocks.
For me, my pipes are tools of contemplation and relaxation... A new subscriber, I enjoy your views on pipes and the world of pipe smoking.
Picked up pipe smoking about 2 years ago, got into it because of Sherlock Holmes, quite enjoy my thinking sessions with it.
More people in our time should ponder things quietly, rather than proclaiming half truths loudly.
Good video, you got a new sub!
Well fella, I'm glad I came across your channel. Watched a couple videos and knew I needed to become a subscriber. I must say, I appreciate the sharing of your thoughts here with myself and others. I watched and listened to this video and found myself pausing it many times to give your words more time to sink in. As a rather new pipe smoker of 3 years or so, I was most pleased to hear your opinion concerning those who pursue the quiet peace of pipe smoking and how they have always been that way it just took them some time to find the pipe. Very insightful indeed.
I need to say, at the end when you stated, in your southernly gentleman's intonation, "a World gone mad", I had a very satisfying and agreeable grin indeed.
Thanks Alan, look forward to enjoying more from the Old Carolina Pipe Cottage.
Outstanding video, Sir!
It's the whole process of pipe smoking that makes it unique it give you a tool for thought at another level and takes you to the place YOU want to be in your own time , well said Alan , love your thoughts and views. Thank you 😊 Fan from England U K .
Interesting chat. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day
This is exactly what I’ve not been able to explain to others. I truly enjoy sitting outside on a stump and smoking my pipe. I’m fairly new to the hobby and only have 5 pipes in my collection but look forward to the day when I have a collection to choose from for sampling various blends.
I just started smoking a pipe about a month ago. Something I’ve always been interested in doing. I’m 36 years old and wish I would started this 10 years ago. Smoking a pipe is a relaxing,enjoyable experience. The peace that I get from it is very nice. I have been enjoying your videos. Thank you for your inputs,tips,help,reviews and knowledge. The life lesson speech’s are dead on. Thank you again, keep on piping. 🤙🏼
One of the best channels on YT. Thank you for what you do. I can't stop thinking that Adam Sandler studied your accent and personality. 😁
It's a ritual process that gives me an excuse to slow down for a while!! 👍👍
Love the production in your intro, definitely gives me a relaxed vibe! Thank you
Well said brother, well said.
Amen, brother.
When I think of smoking my pipe, I think of radio programs from the 50s or reading a book. But mostly I think of a quiet place, a comfortable chair, and the time to let my consciousness unravel
Great video. 👏🏻👏🏻 Thank You.
"a world gone MAD!" - amen to that, brother! Great vid! Many thanks for sharing!!! :)
“I find it wholesome to be alone in the greater part of the time. To be in company, even with the best, is soon wearisome and dissipating. I love to be alone. i never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude. Henry D Thoreau
Silence is golden.
Pure poetry.
I don't know you sir and this Is the first video of yours I've watched. But as someone also from the south, much of which you spoke of and the cander in which you made this video really hit home. I think you could have made 15 different videos from what you discussed here and said so many things that ring true. I look forward to seeing more from you and just keep fighting the good fight my man. Thank you and happy new year to you and yours.
Professor, I couldn’t agree with you more. I tried to get me daughters off social media. I want to get rid of this so called smart phone and go back to a flip phone. But the barb may be too deep to remove it from my daily life. I truly hope not. Thanks for another enlightening video sir.
I just visited your store and discovered some of the most beautiful pipes I've seen anywhere, many of which, I might add, I've never seen anywhere else. I fell in love with Clark's Favorite which will be my first Churchwarden and which I look forward to enjoying while watching your next video. Thank you.
As far as I can tell, on a spiritual level, this is the greatest attribute of taking part in smoking pipe. Cheers to you sir
Now that was a perfect video. Thank you for the reminder of what it is all about. Very nice job!
I started smoking pipe last year and is good to have a moment in solitude and just think and relax, good ideas comes from it. Thanks for this video.
Really enjoyed the article. Thank you Mr. Harrelson.
Your videos are right up my alley. Thank you so much . A welcome end to my day. May God bless you good Sir.
I keep coming back to this video. Brilliant just brilliant my friend haha
Nicely put, Mr. Harrelson. My sentiments exactly.
Excellent
53 year old gentleman here, so I thought I would share what led me to pipe smoking. When I was about six years old, we had a neighbor across the street, Elmer Clark; I still remember his name. It was 1976 so he wore the typical horn rimmed eye glasses and he always was dressed nicely, button down shirt tucked into is pressed slacks. His hobby was building bird houses and he would bring one over to the house for me and my twin brother to enjoy. I recall he would stand there in font of me with his billiard pipe clinched in his teeth and being such a gentleman as he spoke with my mother and that is why I smoke a pipe today.
Truly wonderful intro sir
I'll admit I watched this while smoking a nice bowl of ODF in a small Altinay Meerschaum. But I 100% agree with your statement! Best regards from the Netherlands.
BTW you should consider to record a podcast once in a while, I think you have a great voice for it and I love the accent.
I like to have my pipe on my back porch with the sounds of nature all around me, but I also like to have a bowl as I watch your videos!!!
A words of wisdom, you’ve explained the root of pipe smoking concept and methodology. Greetings from Saudi 🙏🏻
Thank you sir. This video was much appreciated. I feel I am a pipe person, and I feel the pipe is going to allow me to step back to fulfill that role.