Christopher Hitchens - [2007] - 'No Laughing Matter' with Martin Amis

February 1, 2007.
Martin Amis discussed the mild anti-semitism of his own father, and gave his thoughts on Israel. He read from Saul Bellow's book on Israel, and suggests that there is a great deal of anxiety among Jews about the future of Israel.
Christopher Hitchens, who only discovered he was Jewish in 1989, talked about the place of Judaism in history: about Voltaire, suspicion, Israel, and the Jewish diaspora.
Martin Amis then discussed the Jewish concept of manhood, before going on to contemplate the effect of 9/11 on the Jewish community.
Hitchens then touched on some moments that betray a prejudice against Jews that still lingers even after the Holocaust, including the claims made in America in 1989 that Jewish doctors were deliberately injecting black babies with Aids. He suggest that pejudice against Jews is different from other kinds, because it takes a pseudo-intellectual, as opposed to superficial and ignorant form.
Amis then seeked to define the actual concept of anti-semitism, before Hitchens considered the perception of Jews as masters of finance.
Credit to: old.intelligencesquared.com/t...

[@Philusteen]

I love Hitchens. I listen to him talk and every time I hear him cough, I'm reminded that he only has a few years left from this...

[@matimus100]

Love?

[@AFMMarcelD]

@@matimus100 Yes! ❤️

[@jefflarosa271]

tyou are too tynnkj🎉jjjjn😢 ❤😅r

[@billthestinker]

Both men died agonizing deaths from cigarette smoking 🚬 💀

[@mediolanumhibernicus3353]

Most definitely, love.

[@quentinnewark2745]

The best hour and a half I have had all year - amazing, thanks so much for posting.

[@robcarter167]

His wit will never get old. In 100 years, I predict there will be a massive Hitchens following of people saying, “Why didn’t those moron in the early 21st century listen to him?”

[@eddyk2016]

Christopher is just so effortlessly cool. One of those guys that just "had it". He oozed charisma from every pore. You could bring him everywhere and he would be the most liked & respected person in that group, be it a crowd of builders in a rough boozer or mixing with royalty in a garden party

[@tangodelta7617]

How does one 'ooze charisma'?

[@eddyk2016]

The same way one oozes spunk

[@bh1935]

RIP. Two great writers

[@bloochoob]

Now we will miss both of them

[@simon3314]

Amis quote .. "A crude circus of feelings" .. amazing

[@Bajro97]

Sparklingly pleasing to listen to. Hitch and Amis holding an audience in a relaxing symposium of mediations. So envious of everyone sitting there.

[@Franciscasieri]

Every primate should have as close a friendship as these two highly evolved mammals. Miss you Hitch even though I never had the pleasure of meeting you in person.

[@nadinejoyce1203]

Love seeing them together and the experience of the friendship. Still alive, still influential. As I watched hitch's face change over the years, I can detect the distortion of his illness. The shape of his brow...the hairline..the cough. Miss him so

[@matimus100]

Easy loving

[@AFMMarcelD]

Well said Nadine, as a Hitch ardent admirer since his c-span days in the 1980’s, I wholly concur.

[@nadinejoyce1203]

@@AFMMarcelD now they are both gone. Thank you for being someone l could turn to in expressing my grief.

[@AFMMarcelD]

@@nadinejoyce1203 ❤️ 🌹

[@AFMMarcelD]

@ Nadine Joyce, I wholeheartedly wish Hitch would have not smoke as much, but then again a lot of writers and creative people do but it definitely sped his illness, he stated once his dad died from esophageal ca at age 59. But Christopher in my opinion had so much more he wanted to do, so much more to express and contribute to humanity, he adored his kids and wife Carol Blue. We are poorer without him yes, one of my life’s regrets is not being able to meet him in person and give him a hug a big hug 🤗 and thank him for enlightening us, he definitely influenced me and my family, he lives in my heart until the end of my days, I just love ❤️ him and his incredible beautiful mind. Tis tumbler of JWB 🥃 on Hitch’s behalf..salud. Edit: Oh, I forgot to add one important detail, and that is that through the years I’ve added every single Hitchens book to my personal library, from “Why Orwell Matters”to Hitch-22 and “Thomas Jefferson a biography” to Bill Clinton, Trial of Henry Kissinger, Mother Theresa Missionary position and my pride and joy, lucky to track it down in 2007 a hard cover copy of “god is Not Great” first edition of the first 1000 copies signed by the man himself it says..”To my fellow American Christopher Hitchens” I had a couple of friends that frequent my house hold that book in their hands and softly touched the signature, as if the Hitch’s intellect is going to rubbed on, noble gesture and desire yes, but we know there’s only one Hitch. I thought I share this story with you, stay safe, very best regards to you dear Nadine and best in all you do in life’s endeavors.

[@sebastianmelmoth7331]

I miss this man so much

[@tommygunhunter]

I miss both men.

[@catherinemaddux241]

Agree. I miss this level of intellect, commentary and wit. We have so little of it now.

[@cwbeas]

Thank you for the upload

[@rogerturbines4635]

+1

[@nonindividual]

RIP Martin.

[@d.mavridopoulos66]

So sad they're both gone.

[@allrise3056]

I left the Roman Catholic priesthood 2 years ago, having entered the seminary in 1996, moments, literally, from general access to the Internet and Christopher Hitchens. I got access to the Internet in 2002 when I was ordained, just months after 9/11 here in New York, I came to know Hitch. That aside, I like very much that he always, the many times I’ve seen him light a cigarette, uses a match and not once a lighter. That’s all. Carry on. 😜

[@johndevenport1057]

I just wish he had taken better care of his health (smoking & SCOTCH) and we would still be enjoying his oratory...

[@tracezacur6784]

Somehow this vid escaped me ! Very happy to find it !!!

[@tonynew3047]

Not me.

[@richardpowell4281]

Hitchens work was amazing enough, but the group of close friends he held was in ways equally impressive. salman rushdie, martin amis, Ian McEwan, not to mention the other horsemen.

[@mitzipepall3075]

McEwan does not belong in this catergory. A lowbrow.

[@byrysh]

Classic Hitch... "Bear that in mind if you will"

[@dirdib69]

One interesting about this that kind of snuck up on me: Hitchens is listening to Martin Amis talk. He's making notes, yes, but he's listening. That's unusual for him in discussions before an audience. He's usually talking fairly often, and even interrupting adversaries a lot. Here he listens. Based on his own comments (in and out of Hitch-22), I would say that it was rather clear that Martin was his best friend. Or at the very least, occupied a place in his very inner circle along with Stephen Fry, Salman Rushie, and perhaps Richard Dawkins.

[@user-cq9vl4qf1p]

Ever knee should bend and confess that hitch was the master❤

[@gstrummer]

Hitchens, what an amazing intellect: deep, eloquent, erudite. Just amazing. Don't know much about Martin Amis. Time to learn about him.

[@B.A.Pilgrim]

only the dumb equate others with a 'deep intellect' - no offence

[@Alex-mj5dv]

He’s recently passed!

[@mistatronik]

1:00:58 "When there's a fucking great revolver on the mantelpiece in the first act, it will be fired by act three." Without a doubt -- the most effective description of the Chekhov's Gun principle!

[@MarlboroughBlenheim1]

Amis just died. Two great minds and thinkers.

[@ashtonhicks2514]

Him and hitch are in heaven rn jk fuck god

[@dirdib69]

In nearly every appearance I've seen Hitchens in, he's evidencing signs of a sore or painful throat. I wonder how early he might have been diagnosed (throat cancer) , and if it could have led to a difference outcome.

[@Samn3212]

Same. He’s sorely missed.

[@sosalish441]

I think the same sometimes. But even as a younger man he coughed a fair amount. I’ve convinced myself, the cough was the result of the ever present smoke and scotch

[@Plusimurfriend]

thanks for upload

[@Johnconno]

'Oh Chris, am I as good as Saul? Yes Martin, now turn over and call me Nanny.'

[@cavejug3086]

If it were not for 3 monotheistic concepts, conversations like this would not exist. Complete rejection of the myths of desert-dwelling goat herding warring tribes of Palestine and Arabia would give humanity a chance to grow. Wishful thinking on my part.

[@weavethehawk]

Two wonderful English intellects. Christopher, almost chain smoking, looks unwell, obviously unaware that a terminal illness is imminent. Very proud to be a fellow englishman.

[@TedATL1]

I read that Hitchens is actually 1/32 Jewish, which is what he discovered late in life. Yes, I guess it is "legally" Jewish by convention based on maternal lineage. But having such a minuscule genetic connection and no Jewish upbringing at all, it's a little odd how he jumped on that bandwagon with both feet. Apparently Amis' daughters also have a quite small percentage of Jewish ethnicity. But I guess their mother identified as Jewish.

[@LtGregoryStevens]

If this is true I don't understand how they could even prove it. That means Hitchens would have one jewish ancestor going back 6 generations, all on the maternal line, and each generation marrying a goy. This makes no sense, either hitch is lying, or he's more jewish then his brother was letting on .

[@br4588]

She is Jewish, he was Jewish, whether they "identified" or not.

[@icantfindausernamehe]

Clealry does not understand the threat they pose.

[@keeperofthecheese]

While I very much enjoyed this talk, it does leave me a little surprised that somebody who speaks so fervently against religion (Hitchens) would spend so much time praising Judaism.

[@waynevanrensburg8037]

That baffled me too

[@TedATL1]

Because he suddenly discovered he was Jewish in middle age, altho really it's only 1/32 Jewish. He is famous for jumping on new causes to have something to pontificate about.

[@carmenmccauley585]

Jews are a race.

[@can72287]

I think many seperate the cultural judiasm from the religious judiasm. I know many an atheist that holds on to their Jewish heritage for cultural reasons alone.

[@Thjestir]

“Where are those Jews”.. ok that’s hilarious

[@brandonobaza8610]

The "mild anti-Semitism" quip reminded me of describing "Family Guy" and it's creator to my dad for the first time. Dad: "what's his name" me: "Seth...something" "Is he Jewish? Seth is Jewish name. What's his surname?" "Ummm...MacFarlane! That's it." "No, that's not Jewish." "No...I'd say it's not." (awkward silence) "Sounds Scottish" Funny, because he was implying being Jewish would almost guarantee comedic genius.

[@RobbPhilo]

What book is Amis reading around 13 min?

[@no-oneman.4140]

I hope somehow they are together again with the now passing of Martin Amis. Listening to them makes me feel as dumb as a rock which must mean I'm being educated.

[@jasongray4517]

Hitchens, aggressively atheistic, would have dismissed any talk of the two of them being 'together again'.

[@no-oneman.4140]

But he did say when he was facing his demise 'I like surprises'.

[@jasongray4517]

@@no-oneman.4140 If you'd met Christopher Hitchens and asked, 'Do you believe that you and Martin Amis will be together again after you've both died?' he would have eviscerated you. You made a sentimental observation that Hitchens would have loathed.

[@no-oneman.4140]

@@jasongray4517 I repeat my previous answer. Thank you for the admonishment.. You must be a joy to be around.

[@mediolanumhibernicus3353]

@@jasongray4517He would equally have despised your dour puritanical pedantry and lack of irony.

[@elliemccarthy3487]

Two best pals

[@liamfielding7464]

58;26 please someone tell me what this word is? French? Rachumon?

[@deanedge5988]

Its Rashomon Kurosawas great film in which the same crimes are recounted from 4 different perspectives.

[@the-coop]

@@deanedge5988 Thank you!

[@kurisensei]

Based on the story In A Grove by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

[@MrMagusperde]

Yes. The cough was there for ages....

[@r.i.p.volodya]

Why is the image in such a twitching state?

[@nadinejoyce1203]

Now the 🌍 world is without both. Such good friends.

[@anoshya]

Bit too complicated for me as I’m from Blackpool but thanks

[@pippipster6767]

What I find very interesting is that CH is strongly against religion and religious constructs. Yet he says 'he is Jewish' - because 'his mother is Jewish.' But what is that if not a willing assimilation of nothing other than a religious construct? I

[@jordanbikes2437]

Pip Pipster Ethnicity and a religion

[@jonathanrussell1140]

I'm English, but not Church of England.

[@carmenmccauley585]

Jews are a race of people

[@Sagaciousish]

30:25 Hitch lights his cigarette

[@Sagaciousish]

✌️

[@nickstoli]

Glass of wine, check. Glass of whiskey, check. Cigarettes, check. Notes, check. To quote the boxing referee Mills Lane, "let's get it on!"

[@daviddeida]

Imagine turning up as drunk as that to work.

[@Alex-mj5dv]

Both now gone. Greats.

[@ChrisMcDonough]

RIP Martin

[@johnstewart7025]

I read the new York review of books but it was refreshing to hear Amis mention the American cultural mainstream. But I also read Twitter, and i find it easy to forget that good books are still being written.

[@orangehairbrain8733]

The glaring contradiction of being a proponent of the Jeffersonian secular state, and zionist, is irreconcilable

[@justininfrance]

Two self-regarding centrist narcissists in love with their own voice who are no longer with us. Shall we move on?

[@januszpiechota6994]

Sure we can Just give me current replacement for this guys or stop posting such idiotic statements

[@mediolanumhibernicus3353]

Hitchen’s comments on a potential fascist movement in america from 1:15 to 1:20 are extraordinarily prescient.

[@mediolanumhibernicus3353]

I’m sorry, those time stamps should read 01:15:00 to 01:20

[@sabzehsabz666]

His coughs show his illness :'(

[@MarkMcAllister-ni9sf]

Amazing! I fell in love with a few gorgeous Jewish women too

[@Charmagh110]

17:27

[@billthestinker]

Both died in agony from cancer of the esophagus 🚬 💀

[@tommyjordan1988]

Christopher died in Houston, Texas.

[@tonynew3047]

According to his wife, CH caught a super bug and died of pnuemonia. The cancer was there but this unexpectantly happened.

[@tommyjordan1988]

@@tonynew3047 that's horrible to hear.

[@majorkuntz]

Neither died in agony. What a wretched thing to say. You must be a very unhappy sad little person. Perhaps your days will end in agony.

[@marilynverick2544]

Except for the obvious affection they have for each other this is a rather boring groveling before Israel. Disappointing.

[@matthewgabbard6415]

@Jacques Guerrier Of course she doesn't, she's only heard some fringe left concept of the conflict. I've always been a liberal, but there is a rather troubling trend among certain circles that just cannot think critically anymore. Any atrocity is merely a product of Western imperialism and any benefit of secular, classically Western values must be ignored.

[@robertblue3795]

Stop smoking, you're going to die from it!!!!

[@literarymusings8886]

Don't smoke and you are gonna die too

[@robertblue3795]

@@literarymusings8886 I was a heavy smoker for 30+ years. Quit 10 years ago. Still miss it.

[@rorykeegan1895]

In case you hadn't noticed, let me assure you, life is fatal. You are definitely going to die from it.

[@robertblue3795]

@@rorykeegan1895 I'd love to hear your take on my lung disease and the affect its having on my quality of life.

[@MrMagusperde]

Me 2

[@corra7]

Too bad smart people can be so reckless with their health.

[@TedATL1]

Oh please. May we have a schedule of your exact diet and exercise? Millions of people smoke and do NOT get cancer. There are risks in everything.

[@CrisusAttucks]

okay, I dont care about the jews, this is boring af.

[@earnestlycontendingforthef5332]

Poor sad, sad, man, what did the Lord Christ have to say about another traitor to the cause? "How horrible it will be for that person who betrays the Son of Man. It would have been better for that person if he had never been born.” Matthew 26:24 (GW) "Just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment" Hebrews 9:27 (NLT)

[@kindafatguy4297]

Hey man, got fuck your self and take your god with you. Thanks 👍🏽

[@texasd1385]

It's hilarious how deeply you have missed the point. Only if you are self loathing enough to think people thousands of years ago were privy to knowledge you yourself don't possess can you think quoting them at people as a scold is a beneficial use of ones time

[@AS-gx4qg]

Your threats will not make an impression on us

[@jonathanrussell1140]

How's your imaginary friend doing, these days?

[@lorrainepaton4907]

Poor deluded man

[@matimus100]

Black but he was Brown my friend You have been taught wrong

[@sebastianverney7851]

“And what was astrology? Astrology was the consecration of the homocentric universe. Astrology went further than saying that the stars were all about us. Astrology said that the stars were all about me.” ― Martin Amis, The Information Exactly. Every one of us. Martin Amis, like his friend Christopher Hitchins, was all about the endless bon mot, cleverness and ego, supercilious, facile, cynical, lacking any depth.

[@JeezVince]

Hitchens use of "we" to call himself jew is cringe, his grandmother was half jewish, that doesnt make him a jew except if he accepted the premice of a religion, premice that he was propably laughing at before he were told about his grandmother jewishness, it's all super phony. He rebelled against the "only choice" he was presented to, Christianity, because his contrarian side told him so but he obviously deeply wanted to belong to something. Later and would say "we" when saying "we" need to fight in Iraq, another cringe use of the word but a murderous one in some sort.

[@christopherhitchens163]

This was the hardest of all of Hitchens appearances to listen too

[@AFMMarcelD]

Well said, 💯 in agreement, the Hitch was not a Jew, he was an enlightened humanist that left his mark.

[@jasongray4517]

His mother was Jewish, as he makes clear in his autobiography.

[@JeezVince]

Christopher and his brother were 1/32 ethnically Jewish 😂

[@TedATL1]

@@JeezVince AND had no Jewish upbringing at all.

[@waynevanrensburg8037]

Wish he was here today bashing Biden

[@tonynew3047]

You mean that doosh Trump.

[@majorkuntz]

Imagine how uneasy Jews in the UK feel now.