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Tell you, the worst kind of non-smokers' the kind where you're smoking and they just walk up to you : [starts coughing in the naggy-I-want-you-to-stop kinda' cough] I always say, 'Shit, you're lucky you don't smoke. That's some cough you got there, dude. I'm smoking, you're coughing. Wow.' That's kind of cruel, man, going up to a smoker and coughing. Shit! Do you go up to crippled people dancing too, you fucks? 'Hey, Mr. Wheelchair. What's your problem? Come on ironside, race ya!'

Bill Hicks#86

HealthSmokingHypocrisyJudgmentCruelty

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker criticizes non-smokers who cough near smokers, comparing it to mocking people with physical disabilities.
In plain terms
Non-smokers who cough at smokers are being cruel, like mocking someone in a wheelchair.
What can you take from it?
Judging others can be hypocritical.

Where it applies

  • confronting smokers
  • discussing health habits

Putting it to work

  • calling out hypocrisy
  • defending smokers

Questions to consider

  • When does health advice become rude?
  • How do we respect choices?

Another view

Public health concerns may justify non-smokers' reactions.

More from Bill Hicks

  1. 'People who hate people - come together!' 'No!'

    Permalink to quote #85
  2. I have been a comedian for a long time, so forgive me while I plaster on a fake smile and plough through this shit one more time.

    Permalink to quote #87
  3. The only reason I don't quit smoking is because I fear that if I did, I'd become one of you.

    Permalink to quote #84

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