A Favorite Person: Christopher Hitchens

It's unfortunate that a man like Mr. Hitchens was remembered more in the mainstream media as a "polarizing figure" or "outspoken atheist" (he was the author of the book God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything).  He may have been these things, but they aren't necessarily what made him extraordinary.  Most people who admire language, good writing, and clear thinking have fantasies of using those talents to neatly and effectively annihilate the vast overabundance of inconsistent logic, blind faith, and vulgar stupidity in this world.  Well... Christopher Hitchens LIVED that fantasy in real life.  And he did a damn good job at it.

Few writers of recent years, I think, have come close to matching his precision with language and his careful use of wit.  Taking it a step further, he used these talents to display some of the best rhetorical and debate skills in the world.  But whether he was systematically deconstructing absurd arguments of his opponents, or vehemently speaking out against some form of irrational belief, or happily conversing about the pleasures of scotch drinking (he was known to be an alcohol aficionado -- a trait that unfortunately led to his diagnosis of terminal esophageal cancer and his eventual death in 2011) -- he did so with a fervent and undying commitment to ethical and moral consistency.  His main concern was always:

How can we use our intellect -- NOT belief or irrationality -- to maximize well-being in this world?

Yes he was outspoken and harsh.  Some times you have to be when you're up against incredible absurdity and widespread lack of rationality that defines our current society.

Here is a great video of "Hitch" systematically deconstructing the Ten Commandments.  Put aside his pretentiousness for a moment and really listen to what he is saying.  Anyone with any respect for intellect would not be able to argue much here.  The best part are his revisions to the commandments -- updated for the modern era.  Watch the video and then ask yourself: how much better would this world be if we all did away with the old and instead adopted the MODERN commandments?

Finally, have a listen to the closing remarks from one of Hitch's final debates before his death.  Tell me you aren't inspired or filled with awe.  I wish there were more people in the world like this man: using intellect and knowledge to fight fear and abolish mental imprisonment -- and provide a rational foundation for an ethical society and maximal well-being.

"Take the risk of thinking for yourself.  Much more happiness, truth, beauty, and wisdom will come to you that way."  - Christopher Hitchens

Here's a good summary of his views in a touching tribute put together for the 2012 Global Atheist Conference.

Peace to you all.

SM