RE: If you die prematurely, don't you prefer to die for something that's worth it?
But sometimes shit happens, and there is no greater meaning to try to find a positive side to it. Bad things happen.
Agree with this, people that try to find a higher meaning when things are bad do it because believing it is just part of a "master plan" helps them keep calm and avoid feeling depressed, it is just a kind of strategy to reassure themselves everything is going to be ok in the end.
About smoking, I just did it once at a party to try it, but my father and my 2 grandfather are smokers and it is difficult for them to stop even if they know they are not only damaging their health, but also the health of the family since they smoke in their homes and it could affect nearby people.
I also think nowadays everyone is more informed about the damages caused by cigarettes, a few years ago my grandpa was telling me that when he was young they didn't know cigarettes could be so destructive so every young fellow was smoking back then because it was "cool".
Today I see a trend towards healthy lifestyles with veganism and organic products, so we are getting better regarding these issues.
Yes, the strategy to believe whatever we want to make ourselves feel good... a reason why people don't think grounded to reality, reinforcing beliefs that motivate behavior, and we have much of what has happened in history thanks to beliefs.
Yes, it was "cool" for high school too, I smoked on and off as well. Veganism is the future. Doing no harm to others who did us no harm if we can avoid it, is a moral ideal to strive by. It's healthier for us, the planet, and other innocent lives.