Did Feynman Smoke Cigarettes? - Answers Here

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SUMMARY

Richard Feynman, the renowned physicist, is confirmed to have smoked marijuana, and there is a strong likelihood that he also smoked cigarettes, given the prevalence of tobacco use during his active years in physics. Attendees at conferences often complained about visibility issues due to smoke. Feynman was also known to have experimented with LSD and other psychedelics, particularly during the 1960s, a period marked by significant cultural experimentation. His book, "Surely You're Smoking, Mr. Feynman!" humorously reflects on these experiences.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Richard Feynman's contributions to physics
  • Familiarity with 1960s counterculture and its impact on science
  • Knowledge of the historical context of tobacco and marijuana use
  • Awareness of the cultural significance of psychedelics in the 1960s
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Richard Feynman's biography and his works, particularly "Surely You're Smoking, Mr. Feynman!"
  • Explore the cultural history of smoking in the 1960s, focusing on its impact on academia
  • Investigate the effects of psychedelics on creativity and scientific thought
  • Examine the relationship between physicists and counterculture movements during the 20th century
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for historians, cultural researchers, and anyone interested in the intersection of science and 1960s counterculture, particularly those studying Richard Feynman's life and influence.

collectedsoul
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Not looking for much of a discussion, just a simple answer. Did Feynman smoke cigarettes?
 
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Haven't you ever read his book: Surely You're Smoking, Mr. Feynman!

Wait, that may not be right...
 
Just a little bit, when he was cremated.
 
Just... wow.
 
Feynman smoked pot, for sure. Though I haven't done any research on his tobacco-use, it is very likely that he smoked. Cigarette-smoking was very widespread when he was active in physics. I have read complaints from attendees at conferences that it could be hard to see the blackboards through the smoke if you had a seat near the back.
 
Ivan Seeking said:
Haven't you ever read his book: Surely You're Smoking, Mr. Feynman!

:smile: OMG Ivan. Good thing I wasn't sipping coffee! :smile:
 
turbo-1 said:
Feynman smoked pot, for sure. Though I haven't done any research on his tobacco-use, it is very likely that he smoked. Cigarette-smoking was very widespread when he was active in physics. I have read complaints from attendees at conferences that it could be hard to see the blackboards through the smoke if you had a seat near the back.

If I remember correctly, he also tried LSD once as well?
 
SticksandStones said:
If I remember correctly, he also tried LSD once as well?
And LSD and other psychedelics and sensory deprivation, sometimes together. He hung out with Richard Alpert (who was an associate of Timothy Leary) who got involved in Indian mysticism and became known as Baba Ram Dass.
 
I guess it pays to be a famous physicist in the 60's. Or just be alive in the 60's? :)
 
  • #10
SticksandStones said:
I guess it pays to be a famous physicist in the 60's. Or just be alive in the 60's? :)
I was having some fun in the 60's. I wasn't famous nor a physicist, but staying under the radar was probably good. One of my music-buddies went to Woodstock - I had to stay home and flag traffic and grease heavy-equipment on my lunch-hours. "Saving for College" is sometimes not fun.

BTW, I and most of the Engineering students smoked. By 1970, there was a fatalism setting in. You'd have to be of "an age" to appreciate it.
 
  • #11
Ivan Seeking said:
Haven't you ever read his book: Surely You're Smoking, Mr. Feynman!

Wait, that may not be right...

No, it was "What Are You Smoking, Mr. Feynman?" :biggrin:
 
  • #12
This picture was clearly modified. One can tell he was surely smoking.
feynman.jpg
 
  • #13
He smoked on the bongos.
http://boingboing.net/2009/05/30/richard-feynman-play.html"
 
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