In my education paper on The Role of the School,  in the chapter dealing with the Role of the Teacher, I wrote after their participation in a strike, which hampered the progress of education and human relationships:  “Also a teacher in his responsible capacity should not be slave to a habit, e.g. drinking , smoking, or other means of escapism if he is to be a good example and teach moderation (temperance)   Slavery to a habit diminishes character and the integrity becomes vulnerable.  Smoking, even out of lesson hours is a practice not in keeping with the best traditions of the profession.

This observance will also apply to leadership of all the noble professions – religious and political, or social organisations, especially now when it is discovered that it is deleterious to health.  One I have known, when he has found smoking was too expensive to continue the habit, substituted sweets when he had the urge; one man said he got rid of the cocaine habit by sheer force of will when he realised that it would ruin his life.  There is no addiction that cannot be conquered, if we realise its harm and really want to kick the habit.  Remember always that a habit can either be a friend or a foe.  Leaders need to kick the bad one, not only as an example to their followers but also for its effect on their own health and character.

-Randall Butisingh