Most things that are pleasurable are not easily forsaken. And like a lot of rewarding activities, smoking entails risk. In 1924, wealthy Englishman George Mallory was a husband and a father of three when he attempted to make the first ascent of Mount Everest. Last year, an expedition found his frozen, raven-pecked carcass on the mountain. Since the first attempt to reach the peak of Everest, approximately one climber has died for every four to make the summit, according to mountain climbing journalist Jon Krakauer.
Mountain climbing is a risky hobby.
I'm surely not equating torching up a Marlboro Light to the ecstasy of reaching the top of the world. The strained analogy is made to show dramatically that different people have different values with regard to risk and reward. I wouldn't take the risk to climb Everest. I don't hang glide. I smoke a cigarette once in while, just for the hell of it.