Question

7. It is very easy to acquire bad habits, such as eating too many sweets or too much food, or drinking too much fluid of any kind, or smoking. The more we do a thing, the more we tend to like doing it; and, if we do not continue to do it, we feel unhappy. This is called the force of habit, and the force of habit should be fought against. Things which may be very good when only done from time to time, tend to become very harmful when done too often and too much. This applies even to such good things as work or rest. Some people form a bad habit of working too much, and others of idling too much. The wise men always remembers that this is true about Page 412 himself, and checks any bad habit. He says to himself, "I am now becoming idle," or "I like too many sweets," or "I smoke too much" and then adds, "I will get myself out of this bad habit at once." One of the most widely spread of bad habits is the use of tobacco. Tobacco is now smoked or chewed by men, often by women, and even by children, almost all over the world. It was brought into Europe from America by Sir Walter Raleigh, four centuries ago, and has thence spread everywhere. I very much doubt whether there is any good in the habit, even when tobacco is not used to excess; and it is extremely difficult to get rid of the habit when once it has been formed. Alcohol is taken in almost all cool and cold climates, and to a very much less extent in hot ones. Thus, it is taken by people who live in the Himalaya Mountains, but not nearly so much by those who live in the plains of India. Alcohol is not necessary in any way to anybody. Millions of people are beginning to do without it entirely; and once the United States of America have passed laws which forbid its manufacture or sale throughout the length and breadth of their vast country. In India it is not required by the people at all, and should be avoided by them altogether. The regular use of alcohol, even in small quantities, tends to cause mischief in many ways to organs"do precise

Answer 1

Tobacco and alcohol have deep historical roots and their consumption has had significant social and health implications. The addictive properties of substances like nicotine make quitting tobacco smoking challenging. Similarly, excessive alcohol use has led to societal issues and individual health problems, resulting in movements for moderation and a redefined understanding of alcoholism as a disease.

The Impact of Tobacco and Alcohol on Health and Society

The consumption of tobacco and alcohol has long-standing historical roots and has been subject to societal and health scrutiny. Tobacco smoking, which was popularized in Europe by Sir Walter Raleigh four centuries ago, has been opposed by figures like King James I of England as well as by many Muslim scholars and clerics who viewed it as harmful. Despite the knowledge of health risks, the addictive nature of nicotine makes quitting difficult.

Similarly, alcohol consumption has played a role in American history, from the Mayflower carrying beer to the Whiskey Rebellion. Over time, excess consumption led to the rise of the temperance movement and later to a new understanding of alcoholism as a disease rather than a personal failing. However, excessive drinking can cause social and health problems, and cities in the nineteenth century observed alcoholism particularly affecting working-class men.

Habits, whether related to tobacco or alcohol use, can have profound impacts on individuals and societies. As Aristotle proposed, forming good habits is crucial to virtuous development. Educational programs and increasing awareness help combat habits detrimental to health, but change is complex and multifaceted, requiring both individual and collective effort.