Christopher Hitchens

Christopher Hitchens (13 April 1949–15 December 2011) was an acclaimed British-American journalist, author, and public speaker. Known for his incisive wit and ability to engage in witty polemic debates, as well as his inflammatory views on war, politics, and atheism, Hitchens left behind a powerful legacy as one of the most influential intellectual voices of his generation.

Christopher Hitchens was born in Portsmouth, England, and educated at The Leys School in Cambridge. He was a columnist for both The Atlantic and Vanity Fair, and had contributed political commentaries for many other publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The Nation, and The New York Times. He also wrote seven books, including the controversial classic international best-seller, "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything" (2007).

Hitchens was a staunch critic of the war in Iraq and an equally strong proponent of free speech. In his book, "Hitch-22: A Memoir" (2010), he wrote about how he confronted the most pressing political issues of his time, from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to the atrocities of religious fundamentalism. He also discussed the importance of courage and integrity of thought, as he argued for the abolishment of censorship and the pursuit of truth.

Hitchens had many notable debates with well-known public figures, including religious figures, fellow writers and politicians. These debates included a memorable televised debate with author, rabbi and broadcaster, Jonathan Sacks, on Northern Ireland during the 1993 BBC series Red Lines. He also had a famous face-to-face debate in 2007 with the late Princeton professor and evangelical Christian, Albert Mohler, on the topic ‘Is There a Superior Religion?’. This debate was aired on C-SPAN’s Book TV.

Hitchens’ works also included book reviews, essays, and political commentary. He often wrote about topics such as religion, patriotism, literature, and politics. "The Portable Atheist: Essential Readings for the Non-Believer" (2007) was a collection of essays from a variety of authors advocating atheism, secularism, and humanism. In the foreword to this book, Hitchens wrote: “I want to ask the reader to put aside prejudice—and even to put aside belief—to ask what it is that these authors have to say, and to judge it from the standpoint of its veracity, reasonability, cogency, utility and beauty.”

Hitchens’ writing style was characterized by directness, masterful synthesis of analysis and rhetoric, and his deep understanding of history. As the National Post put it, “with Hitchens, one could always count on the mental challenge in deciphering his prose, however pleasurable the journey.” In 2008, his book, “The Missionary Position: Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice” which criticised the canonization of Mother Teresa was nominated for a National Book Critics Circle Award.

Hitchens’ legacy is one of critical thought and intellectual bravery. His books continue to spark debates and discussion on the issues of faith, politics in the modern world, war, and morality. His life reminds us to think deeply and honestly, to never be complacent, and to always pursue the truth.