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I am, in many ways, a quite detail-oriented person. I like my desk to be organized just so in the office and in my home office. I enjoy placing my clothes where they belong in my closet in just the right spots and on just the right hangers. I enjoy the editing aspect of my job and polishing our words to the best of my abilities. However, I am only human. Admittedly, every little detail cannot be perfect in every part of my life (much to my dismay). As I contemplated my perfectionistic tendencies, I began to wonder: Are pipe and cigar smokers more inclined to be detail-oriented than the average Joe?
Some quick research tells me no; the stereotype of the methodical, contemplative, and detail-oriented pipe smoker is false and dated. This misconception is widely based on historical intellectuals the likes of Albert Einstein and J.R.R. Tolkien. However, this archetype does not summarize the entire pipe-and-cigar-smoking community. In fact, Chuck Stanion touched upon this topic in a humorous piece several years ago.
We should probably remember that the majority of pipe smokers do not read about pipes and tobacco, they do not study the internal engineering of various pipe types or the history of individual brands, and they buy the same drug store tobacco day after day. Those of us who pursue pipe smoking as a hobby above and beyond simple tobacco combustion are the minority.
Whatever our interest level regarding pipe smoking, we endure the same stereotypes. Sometimes it's fun and we like being perceived as thoughtful or insightful, no matter our jobs or personality types. Generally, pipe smokers are seen in a positive light, and there's some advantage there, perhaps.
While there's no scientific evidence to support the claim that pipe smokers are inherently brighter and wiser, it seems that the general public see pipe smokers in this positive light. Perhaps the ritualistic aspects of pipe smoking — rubbing out tobacco, carefully packing it into the bowl, tamping, lighting, and enjoying the smoking experience — further the stereotype as it can attract individuals who are already bent into a more organized and thoughtful angle.
It helps that nicotine has been considered a memory and attention booster, impacting cognitive functions. That can certainly translate to a more detail-oriented focus in a smoker, but it doesn't apply to every person. Where one might assume every smoker comes readily prepared with every accessory needed, the reality is much different for some. I have heard first-hand plenty of experiences that negate this myth. I can recall countless times in meetings, my colleagues have asked their neighbors for a spare pipe cleaner, or talked about the unorthodox ways they have knawed off the ends of their cigars instead of cutting them before lighting them up.
On the other hand, I have seen quite organized and meticulous smoking colleagues, who delight in setting out their tobacco before lunch before returning in the afternoon to the ritual of packing, lighting, and smoking away the afternoon. Some smokers take time to slow down and explore the deeper flavors of their tobacco, even keeping a tasting journal handy to capture their thoughts. Instead of keeping those experiences inside their brains, or scribbling them on the nearest piece of loose leaf or sticky note to get lost in the flurry of papers, they're preserving their ideas in a more diligent fashion.
Meticulous actions and Type-A personalities can have pros and cons. Without the more fluid and free-wheeling among us, our society would be full of straightened angles on desks and single-file lines, without much room for creativity or uniqueness. Similarly, with only these more open and care-free characters, there would be little order and probably a whole lot of chaos, if we're being honest (Can you IMAGINE not having your writing utensil's holder in the correct place on your desk? Oh, the horror.). You can assume where I fall on this spectrum. I'm adjusting my keyboard back to a crisp 90 degree angle as I type this.
Translating these ideas into the very craftsmanship that goes into creating our most prized pipes and cigars, great attention to detail went into their design. The pipe tobacco we love is diligently blended to deliver the best experiences imaginable. Without the detail-oriented artisans, blenders, and cigar makers, our favorite pastime might look a whole lot less impressive, and deliver underwhelming smokes.
Simply being a pipe or cigar smoker doesn't mean you're automatically granted the attention-to-detail blessing (and, at times, curse). There's no pressure to become someone you're not to fulfill a stereotype, or to turn away from who you really are (I know someone reading this always has to keep multiple pipe cleaners on hand at all times... please keep them stocked, those without them handy need you!)
Rest assured that stereotypes are ever-changing around us, and all we can do is be our most authentic selves. With that in mind, I'll continue rearranging my workspace back to its most perfect form. But you don't have to just because you're smoking at yours.
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Comments
I'm with you, Kayla. I can't stand clutter or disorganization. I also have plenty of spare pipe cleaners with me, and if I run out, I have a backup pack in my bag.
Lovely article but, alas, being admired for smoking a pipe rarely happens because the health nazis have lumped us with those degenerate cigarette smokers (wait, I smoke cigarettes too.) Regardless, there are few public places left where we can demonstrate our innate superiority (i.e. pipe smoking. ) As for your, dare I say, obsessive neatness, I'm close but...no cigar. Keep on puffing & writing.
I'm so organized I have my pipes dry cleaned and my cigar butts lined up in size order. The dottle is filed under D and the ashes under A.