Under this heading, I would include the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and similar substances. In my opinion, alcohol is a nerve poison that is not assimilated and requires a great expenditure of energy for its excretion. Furthermore, it decreases energy and deadens certain inner forces, which, although we may be unconscious of them, could otherwise be of great service to us. For instance, when we are tired, our senses advise us to stop and rest, allowing us to collect fresh natural energy. However, under the influence of alcohol, we are easily induced to act against our natural instincts, and since each action is followed by a reaction, this manifests in various disagreeable and eventually harmful ways—such as depression, bad humor, poor digestion, loss of appetite, and so forth. Therefore, alcohol or any similar stimulant that has an unnatural effect must be injurious.
The consumption of tobacco is the most useless vice that exists. Nicotine is a direct poison to the heart, and like alcohol, it is very harmful.
I will admit that I see no crime in the occasional indulgence in a glass of wine or a cigar; the main point is simply to be able to keep one’s body and mind under full control. You may compare the connection between body and mind, or soul, to that between the mesmerist and his medium. It is well known that the more often the medium submits to the will of the mesmerist, the more easily the state of hypnotism is reached. If, therefore, the mind or soul submits to the suggestions of the weaker organ—the body—which urges it to have a smoke now and again, to neglect physical exercise today, or to indulge excessively just once in alcoholic drink, the same suggestion will be easier to repeat and possibly more persuasive the next day. Hence, obeying your body weakens the will, while controlling it strengthens the mind.
Moderation in sexual intercourse is very important. Sexual abstinence should be strictly observed during the early years of manhood and development. Those who follow this recommendation will soon benefit from the immense advantages of chastity. A few years ago, a colleague of mine said to me: “Nonsense, that is only human nature.” However, this “clever” man only achieved a secondary position as a strongman, and now, at the age of thirty, he is actually degenerating as an athlete. Coffee is a stimulant and, as such, would be better avoided entirely.
Source: George Hackenschmidt, The Way To Live (Strength & Health Publishing, 1911)