[enraged_camel]

>>But if you feel like having one, fuck it, life is short.

Yes, life is short. Therefore you should avoid things that will make it even shorter.

I always hear stuff like "whatever man, you only live once." It seems so irrational to use that to justify bad habits. If you only live once, should you not try to increase the length and quality of that life by trying to be in the best health possible?

[peterwwillis]

A bag of potato chips will not shorten your life. It's potatoes, vegetable oil and salt. You probably eat these things all the time. But since it's not a very healthy moderation of these things, it's better not to eat a ton of it. A soda is less good for you, but also won't shorten your life, unless you have a sensitive stomach or are a diabetic or something.

Trying to be in the best health possible would make me miserable. If you find it rewarding, then go do that. But please remember that others are entitled to live however they want (and preferably without someone telling them how unhealthy and short their life will be). I'll probably be dead by 70 from being too happy, which is okay with me.

[coldtea]

>Yes, life is short. Therefore you should avoid things that will make it even shorter.

The second doesn't derive from the first.

If anything, "life is short, so don't obsess about its duration" is a better guideline.

>I always hear stuff like "whatever man, you only live once." It seems so irrational to use that to justify bad habits. If you only live once, should you not try to increase the length and quality of that life by trying to be in the best health possible?

"Bad habits" are some of the most quality time people get to have.

[enraged_camel]

If you equate quality with pleasure, sure. If you equate quality with lack of subsequent pain and discomfort, no.

[coldtea]

If you value "lack of pain and discomfort", death would be a very good deal.

[boucher]

People have different yardsticks for quality.