Christopher Hitchens, 1949-2011

 Photo fro The Guardian

I just woke up and found out about the news.  I am very sad, but not surprised.  His health had been rapidly deteriorating since he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer last year.  In more recent years, as I have come to embrace my atheism, Hitchens became a personal hero of mine.  No one spoke more about the evils of belief and theism quite like Hitch.  No one was as witty and well-written as Hitch on this subject, or most other subjects for that matter.  While I didn't always agree with him on other issues, I have always respected the passion and fearlessness he carried for his words and convictions.  Here is an excerpt from a post I wrote earlier in the year on Hitchens:

It was, of course, extremely disheartening when Hitchens announced his illness this past year.  One would think that being so close to death might make him become recluse, reconsider his non belief, and perhaps feel the need to seek out comfort in a spiritual manner.  But not Hitch.  In fact, rather than hide away from the world or turn to Jesus, he has continued to write, speak, and debate about the religious on the side of secularism and rationalism.  And he is still as good at it as anyone that is out there. 

I imagine that fans of his all over the world will be having a glass in memory of this wonderful man. I will include myself in this category.  Rest In Peace, Christopher.  We will miss you!

Thoughts on Hitchens

I first became familiar with Christopher Hitchens around 10 years ago or so. I watched him and read his material when he was more known because his support for the invasion of Iraq. While I was always against the invasion (and still think it was a monstrous mistake), I have always respected Hitchen's support to some extent because of his encounters with Kurds and others who were brutalized by the Sadaam Hussein regime. 

But it has been over the past year where I have become a big fan of his writings and thoughts.  Hitchens is one of the most famous atheists in the world.  He is, in fact, considered one of the Four Horsemen of Atheism with Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, and Sam Harris. I finally decided I was an atheist when I read The God Delusion by Professor Dawkins.  However, it has been the the words of Christopher Hitchens that has strengthen my convictions in non-belief just as much as any theorist, philosopher or writer has to this point. A wonderful sample of Hitchens debating the religious can be seen in this video appropriately titled "Christopher Hitchens-The Best of Hitchslapped":



I recently had the pleasure of listening to Hitch-22, Hitchen's memoir, on audio book.  It was the first book by him I have actually got the chance to read (well, listen to), and I can't wait to delve into more of his literary works in the future.

It was, of course, extremely disheartening when Hitchens announced his illness this past year.  One would think that being so close to death might make him become recluse, reconsider his non belief, and perhaps feel the need to seek out comfort in a spiritual manner.  But not Hitch.  In fact, rather than hide away from the world or turn to Jesus, he has continued to write, speak, and debate about the religious on the side of secularism and rationalism.  And he is still as good at it as anyone that is out there. 

Below is an interview that aired Sunday on C-SPAN's Q&A with Brian Lamb.  It is the first TV or public appearance from Hitchens that has taken place in several weeks.  It is very difficult to watch because it is clear how much his condition has deteriorated recently.  While Lamb asks Hitchens about the memoir, religion, and geo-politics, most of the conversation is about Hitchen's cancer, as well as life and death.  It is worth the watch if you have an hour to spare: 



Here is hoping that Mr. Hitchens is able to recover from his illness. He is an important voice that the world needs!