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About this quote

What does it mean?
The quote humorously links the ability to do long division with the right to smoke, implying that only competent adults should indulge.
In plain terms
Only those who can handle math should be allowed to smoke.
What can you take from it?
Don't grant privileges without competence.

Where it applies

  • granting adult privileges
  • educational settings

Putting it to work

  • set skill-based criteria
  • use satire to critique entitlement

Questions to consider

  • What does competence really mean for adult choices?
  • Can humor effectively change behavior?

Another view

It trivializes serious health issues by reducing them to a math test.

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