I think we three might be able to agree the quote could be downgraded to: "In an ideal world, heroin would be one of many fringe activities, like rock climbing

I think we three might be able to agree the quote could be downgraded to: "In an ideal world, heroin would be one of many fringe activities, like rock climbing, BASE jumping, etc." In the mean time, many who pursue heroin aren't doing it as a hobby/for the exploration, but as a replacement for responsible living, a thrill as they grind their productive lives into the ground. That is the real tragedy, not that anyone, anywhere does it.