Hitch-22: A-Memoir

Christopher Hitchens’ Memoir is certainly an interesting one. One thing that is badly needed in our current time is well thought out intellectual discussion. Hitchens’ book and life’s work exists as an oasis amid a world of sloppily argued opinions, flat out lies, and half-truths that twist reality.

There are repeated ideas expressed when discussing Hitchens’ writing and speaking appearances. That first is the idea that we need him now more than ever. The second is that he was to be respected for his well thought out opinion and courage to debate and defend his ideas openly.

While I agree completely with these ideas, this is ultimately a false dilemma as Hitchens is not the only one who could commit to thinking critically and rationally, and then defend these points with conviction and courage in the face of unlearned dissenting opinion. I think Hitchens would be the first to agree. This was in fact the core point he was making throughout his life.

To be clear, I don’t think the average person has the easy access to Hitchens’ quick wit, keen intellect, and charisma. However, ultimately these things are irrelevant when we consider the overall end result of a concise, well thought out position on a difficult issue. Anyone can make a strong argument by thinking deeply and then researching both sides of the argument before reaching a final conclusion. We can do what Greg Giraldo suggested, “You can go read a newspaper and form your own opinions.” As a side point, this is a modern sickness, the idea that unless you are a genius you shouldn’t use your huge mind or improve yourself, and that only exceptional work has value. How could we be more wrong and weak?

There is a real force to Hitchens´ well thought out arguments. At some points in reading his memoir, I found my initial reaction was to disagree. I then quickly realized that I had no ground to stand on, as I hadn´t yet investigated fully the topics discussed. Hitchens’ overall message is that you can in fact do this yourself, and you should do it.

Another path that Hitchens´ took, which is more difficult to follow, is to choose to seek out opposition to your ideas, and then boldly combat them. This is always an uncomfortable task and could never be considered easy. Hitchens was bitingly critical at times, which isn´t always admirable, but a strong argument can be made that in the face of things you know deeply to be untrue and harmful, you must take a strong stance.

Hitchens wrote extensively and his many debates and appearances are readily found on YouTube. I can strongly recommend his memoir.