I'm sorry, I didn't really mean to make a blanket statement. I've heard about a cigarette's relaxing effects (obviously people started smoking for SOME reason), but I didn't really think of them when I wrote that.
As usual, generalisations don't serve us well here. :)
I'm reading Gaston Bachelard's Psychoanalysis of Fire right now and it's a really interesting read. It'll make you think of the reasons one smokes in an entirely different light. Your're right. It is about rebellion, for one, but with polyvalent meanings. Rebellion against a young healthy body, proving that one can physically survive harm; and rebellion, psychically, against fire as a fundamental element i.e. holding, consuming, and controlling heat and danger. One takes in smoke with an agreeable face because, I feel, there is a primitive connection to the life of the fire. Nevermind the fact that you smell like shit afterward :)
Well, I'm certain that I can't articulate as well as he could. I'm definitely no Gaston Bachelard, let me tell ya. When dealing with the subconscious, it often seems 'a little far-fetched' frankly. I don't mean to come off as if what I was suggesting is a panacea for all the reasons why people smoke. Just thought it was a different perspective and at least fun to think about. But I will assert my previous sentiment, that concerning humans there is a primitive connection to the life of the fire, and smoke is the son of fire.
It is definitely fun to think about! It's an amazing feeling when you are able to use something you've read to reinterpret the world and I don't mean to take that away from you. The book sounds super interesting and I have reserved it at my library. I think it would be difficult to deny a deep connection to fire as humans.