Christopher Hitchens Interview (2011)

Laurie Taylor interviews writer and broadcaster Christopher Hitchens, who discusses how his political beliefs changed over the years, revealing why Ayatollah Khomeini's 1989 fatwa on author Salman Rushdie represented a turning point in his life. He also talks about his atheist beliefs, his support for the war in Iraq and his rivalry with his brother Peter, as well as sharing his thoughts on being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

[@cshaw1347]

"I don't ask for sympathy because I'm not intending to dish it out." The man has a way with words that just excites me.

[@uyuyuy99]

I love that line. I'm totally stealing it. Long live The Hitch!

[@chrisbennett6260]

Forget tge dolatry .and the superficial the worshipping of the accent and the check the content of the ideas forvLeeds sack .try thinking for yourself that's what he did

[@robcalestino4371]

And I’ll never forget it

[@divusaugstus]

I thought he said; ‘ … because I’m intending to dish it out …’ Makes more sense to me. I took him to mean he’d dish out the same sort of shit that has been tipped on him rather than sympathy. Tomaito/tomato.

[@szczesciejestkoloruczarneg749]

nice one

[@rowdeo8968]

He is not dead he lives in You tubes cosmos and in the pages of his writing and in his childrens DNA I am grateful I can hear his voice see him in film and read his work.

[@nardinit]

+James Mac Fuck off troll

[@kentamitchell]

+James Mac Hitch would take that as a compliment.

[@brianmchugh7679]

+KentA Mitchell I'm pretty sure Hitch would have more elequently and linguistically destroyed James Mac's soul, than just simply saying "fuck off" to his question.

[@kentamitchell]

Brian McHugh nardinit used that expression; I did not.

[@brianmchugh8419]

+KentA Mitchell Maybe my post did not come across? If you re-read my post, I am clearly responding to nardinit 👍

[@GUITARTIME2024]

No one will ever speak English so well.

[@mtobrien1]

So good. (Ha ha ha)

[@imnotdavidxnsx]

so goodest*

[@R369B]

Watching him talk I can't believe we have the same size brains. At times im in awe as he looks to his left pulling facts from his past. The names he can give you, what they wrote, said, or did. His control over the English language and his unique way of articulation. So much information and so many facts in his head and he can access them all with ease and without skipping a syllable. Its kind of like the closest biological thing to the internet. I've said it before, but what a brilliant man. Such a loss.

[@SandraLovesRoses]

Well said. I love this man, too.

[@georgeseif102]

+Hog Rider and what an appetite for knowledge...he was getting into physics at the end of his beautiful life...so so so missed and needed.

[@SandraLovesRoses]

Christopher Hitchens. Sharp. He kept his edge like a well-crafted steel knife. Superb. Mind food with a delightful mouthfeel. He will always remain highly satisfying.

[@nunobits12]

and yet he has desperately poor fashion sense, just look at the combination of shoe and sock in this video, embarrassing - money cannot buy taste

[@ExtremeBogom]

Intelligent people do tend to dress more modestly, plainly, or even "scrappily" regardless of income. They are less moved by vanity and the airs of superficiality. Uncombed hair, unshaven beards, a wonky tie, etc etc...it's not uncommon for academic types.

[@fatsiddog]

I stumbled on Hitch, he leveled me with is intellect, and quickly became a Hero of mine, I was so saddened to hear he had already passed.

[@laurasalo6160]

Yes, I was so disappointed to learn he had passed before I knew his name. I have his memoir right beside me now.

[@callidusvulpes5556]

I remember listening to him as a young kid and thinking about how intelligent he was, but not really being at the age to fully understand what he was saying, I looked for him a few years ago after remembering him and his previous debates then sadly discovered that he had died and now I’ve been binging him ever since.

[@sherylpaley3201]

@@laurasalo6160 me too

[@user-ld7uj9pv8e]

Same

[@jeffforsythe9514]

You jokers can fool yourselves but you cannot fool me. You all made Hitchens your hero and joined his cult because he so eloquently puts the blame on liars from the past for his and your laziness and lack of stamina to find God. God purposely hid himself so that His children could strengthen their ability to discern right from wrong and to sharpen their minds. But instead, all you people joined Hitchens CULT OF QUITTERS.

[@greghollar3191]

I listen to Hitchens last thing at night... his discussion of almost any subject brings me peace and calm

[@billisaac326]

So do I in 2024.

[@JesseColton]

God it's just unbearable to see Hitchens like this :( He was a beacon of intelligence and reason in an easily manipulated and subjugated world. What a loss for all of humanity that he's gone. I've seen so many people saying they'd gladly trade however many years of their life so that Hitchens might have lived on and continued to share his brilliance with the world.

[@TheTrueObelus]

What a monumental waste. How could there be a god who could or would let such a brave brilliant man suffer and waste away like this.

[@marianushn]

TheTrueObelus Hitchens didn't believe in God himself, so your statement wouldn't make sense to him. On the other hand, Hitchens probably developed cancer due to heavy smoking. It wasn't God. God (if He exists) doesn't punish people in this life (and I don't even think in any other "life").

[@alistairmuir5521]

marianushn If you believe "he" does exist you have to conclude he punishes people in this life. He'd have the power and knowledge to prevent all sorts of suffering and yet choose to let them suffer. If you see a difference between that and punishment, I'd feel compelled to distance myself from you, and rather quickly.

[@marianushn]

Titus Pullo not necessarily. I don't even believe in hell. The problem of evil has always been at the center of the God debate, but your logic is fundamentally flawed: to punish someone is not the same as something terrible occurring to someone. Even if we are talking about an omnipotent and omnibenevolent God, there could be many reasons why he would "choose" not to help suffering people without having to assume tragedies are God's "punishments." Say, for example, that through suffering some people learn "the meaning of their lives" or "become stronger individuals." In these cases suffering does not equal punishment, but quite the contrary. Now, I'm not saying suffering always leads to self-realization, I'm just proving in what ways suffering does not necessarily equal punishment through a classical theological interpretation of suffering. Now, the real issue would be to ponder why he would allow those things to happen in the first place given his divine nature, which is entirely a different philosophical question. If you feel the need to flee from a debate, feel free to do so, for I'm not fond of wasting my time either.

[@alistairmuir5521]

marianushn No need for me to flee. I'll assume you are far enough from me already. I agree my argument is a little tenuously formed. Allow me to flesh it out. I assumed that god would think in a way similar to myself, without good reason, but as soon as you drop that assumption, you must conclude there is no way we could ever possibly understand anything about him/her/it (I'll keep to the feminine form from now on - just to be different). And if that's the case, there is no way you can progress in this philosophical venture, since there is no next step of reason you can take on the path to understanding her nature. (I'll accept challenges to this). Thus, if god exists we only have a hope of understanding her if we assume that we think like her - in which case my understanding of the universe/human behaviour/etc. must be akin to hers. (Similar to the Christian belief that we were created in "God's image". You can see why they say it - the alternative is to admit complete incomprehension of their own god. Alas, doing so destroys any notion that their god is morally righteous.) The possible conclusions, then, are as follows: - god exists, but I have no way of comprehending this existence to the slightest degree, which means I have no way of understanding or proving her existence, thus my belief system is identical to that of non-belief. - god exists and I can understand her, and so her actions can be judged on the same moral system that I judge the actions of humans. - god doesn't exist, and I avoid this confusing and ultimately fruitless exercise altogether. N.B. From this you can see my initial assertion is not necessarily true, but it is the only well-defined conclusion you can reach if you make the initial assumption that god exists.

[@TheShadowfakx]

I never met Hitchens. But I had listened to him in dozens of podcasts over the past 4 years. Usually when I've hiked with my dogs, Trotsky and Juma. While hiking in these forests and hills nearby where I live, I always felt I had another companion with us. His words, invariably, brought into my own life a much needed island of sanity in a world gone dangerously close to imploding. I often laughed while listening to him. He invoked a sense of wonder, acknowledgement, validation, clarity---especially clarity---into my own personal universe; he also invoked courage at times when I was lacking it. Like I said before, I never knew him but always considered him a close friend. I miss him everyday---especially now.

[@Illumirage]

+TheShadowfakx Where are these podcasts?

[@TheShadowfakx]

Pretty easy; all you do is enter his name in the search bar and you'll see literally dozens and dozens of CSPAN interviews; videos of him lecturing or debating. I call them podcasts because of MP3 files.

[@Illumirage]

TheShadowfakx I see. Thx. I like the idea of listening to the smartest of the smart, because maybe some of the way they think will rub off on you.

[@priayief]

+TheShadowfakx Well said! Likewise.

[@BarbaraManor]

+TheShadowfakx Thank you for putting your feelings so well into words. Mr. Hitchens was and is the corner stone of sanity and honesty about the common fear of death and the bondage of Religion. Defending and explaining "nonbelievers" from the pressures of Religion is a byproduct of his brilliant mind and fight for independence and personal freedom. For decades I was alone with my thoughts and feelings and Christopher put them into the words I did not find.

[@JG-yh9rh]

I'm so so sorry to have found him after his death. I couldn't love this guy more. 👏 wow

[@mdaniels6311]

Welcome. He's a fantastic mind and important contributor to our culture.

[@RashidAli-bp3mr]

@@mdaniels6311 but he was wrong about supporting the Iraq war. The man had many faults. The natural order of the universe gets rid of humans like garbage

[@mdaniels6311]

@@RashidAli-bp3mr Yes, absolutely wrong. His views on religion were not well thought out, neither. He attacked a bogeyman and not reality.

[@mnob1122]

@@mdaniels6311 Completely disagree with your assessment. Religion is a cancer and holds us back as a species

[@jeffforsythe9514]

You jokers can fool yourselves but you cannot fool me. You all made Hitchens your hero and joined his cult because he so eloquently puts the blame on liars from the past for his and your laziness and lack of stamina to find God. God purposely hid himself so that His children could strengthen their ability to discern right from wrong and to sharpen their minds. But instead, all you people joined Hitchens CULT OF QUITTERS.

[@georgej4936]

I wish he was still with us. I wonder what he would have to say about current events.

[@ThiagoConsolaro]

we all do, mate

[@TheShadowfakx]

Actually, he had a lot to say thats still current: The Clintons, religious fanaticism, fascism, the 2 party system---most of which was quite prescient , making the past just prologue, as they say. Check all his youtube stuff out.

[@tal-lancer]

honestly i don't...because he'd be so depressed to see everything he feared come true

[@inappropriatern8060]

tal-lancer I couldn't have said it better.

[@myroseaccount]

Probably more bombing of innocent brown people

[@10percentwierd]

I only discovered Hitch around 2 years ago and he has truly changed my life for the better. I wish I could have seen him in person.

[@martzink]

Me just a month ago. He helped find purpose. I will read his book.

[@keniag5]

Me now lol. Oh he lives on alright.

[@mmur9233]

RiP Hitch.

[@NickBollingerMusic]

Same here… and I’m replying to you five years after your comment 😓

[@NickBollingerMusic]

@@armstrong698 I am skeptical that I will find much common ground with any conservative, as the mere idea of conserving any existing structure runs counter to my core beliefs. But I will listen with an open mind.

[@agentsmith5901]

Christopher Hitchens is a legend. We should have paid more attention to him while he was here.

[@jeffreyc.mcandrew8911]

"If I could not write, it would undermine my will to live." Powerful statement.

[@PlntPeace]

This is the kind of man this world needs today! I have his words, his intellect, his wit and his past personal appearances to help myself become a voice in this closed off, divisive world

[@thomashugus5686]

An intellectual giant of our times! He truly helped shape my views!!

[@LD-qj2te]

As always , Hitch is clear headed, concise with a breadth and depth of knowledge unparalleled . He is sorely missed

[@jeffforsythe9514]

You jokers can fool yourselves but you cannot fool me. You all made Hitchens your hero and joined his cult because he so eloquently puts the blame on liars from the past for his and your laziness and lack of stamina to find God. God purposely hid himself so that His children could strengthen their ability to discern right from wrong and to sharpen their minds. But instead, all you people joined Hitchens CULT OF QUITTERS.

[@tcvttcvt4305]

Every time I watch an interview with Hitch .I kind of think 'what an amazing man, he just made me think'. He has that type of freshness of thinking that he makes you think differently every time you listen to him, his thoughts seem so sharp and in-the-moment . Then I remember that he's dead. Its so bizarre , because every time I watch an interview with him, he makes me forget that he is. There are very few interviews with figures that have passed away that make me forget that. he just had an air of invincibility about him.

[@alecpritchard]

sarah shaw 100% agree and share your experience

[@KevKavanagh]

I've long disagreed with some of his positions on possible solutions, but retain an enduring love for the fundamental truths he espoused and the good place they came from. He was and still is a wonderful inspiring gift to the human race.

[@elgar104]

Rarely does a day go by that I don't still think about him. What a human being. The best of us in fact.

[@ninobrown2073]

"you see me now, the slightly faded figure of a magnificent mammal....primate" LOVE THIS GUY

[@andyc211247]

A man among men. An absolute master of the English language. The most powerful mind of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. A best friend I never got to meet.

[@Friendway]

I read this comment literally as he said it. Wow.

[@duderyandude9515]

@@Friendway Me too.

[@yumyum723]

This was the year he died I believe, you could say he dies in battle. What an incredible man he never let his cancer obscure his beliefs are force him to retreat. A true inspiration to me personally and many others I'm sure, I really do miss him

[@A-non-theist]

I could not agree with you more. One great man, one great genius.

[@ansfridaeyowulfsdottir8095]

*_"This was the year he died I believe..."_* 15 December 2011, Houston, Texas. A couple of months after this interview. He was 62. One year older than me. {:o:O:}

[@michaelbarnes8870]

"he never let his cancer obscure his beliefs". Perhaps that was his downfall. Though now dead he is very much alive somewhere; so too is everyone who has as ever lived and died.

[@johnelms2551]

I have never understood how people could become emotionally upset when a person they never met died like the JFK or MLK assassination. I discovered Christopher Hitchens years after his death and I realized how and why people felt that way and will be forever grateful.

[@incognito3620]

Thank goodness there are interviews and debates and conversations with this monolith of intelligence and wisdom. We need more individuals like this gentleman. His loss and affect on us can never accurately be measured. His insight and ability to speak ( and write) with such virtuosity and, for me, truthfulness has impacted my life in ways still unknown to me. His voice is eternal to all future generations. Sadly, videos will be a poor substitute for being in his presence and experiencing his aura.

[@TheGooddog3]

I hope that when my day comes I can face death with the same grace and strength. He continues to be a fine example of how a man should be.

[@zetetick395]

Hear Hear!

[@skuzaposkuzapo56]

The only way for that is to be at peace with God and not be this angry, God-hating, delusional atheist or some such thing

[@nintendiumarmour879]

You have the gall to call someone deluded after telling people to make peace with a myth? Lunatic

[@skuzaposkuzapo56]

@@nintendiumarmour879 same question to you (you can all come out of the woodwork and there won't be changes to it)- why are lot so angry with a MYTH? Isn't that some kind of mental illness? You see, believing in abstract numbers and trying to unravel them you end up losing your minds hahahaha

[@secretunknown253]

skuzapo skuzapo wtf are you talking about

[@SCHMUNZELTV]

Eight months after this interview, Christopher Hitchens died. His thoughts will inspire us forever.

[@andrewdeen1]

there are so few people whose loss dealt such a blow to humanity. christopher hitchens' loss was one of our hardest. this is truly frightening to watch - for a few reasons: the most obvious being that if you look at hitch in 2007 and compare it to this footage only 4 years later he is almost unrecognizable, but also because it really reminds me of how fleeting life really is to see someone so unbeievably strong dying before my eyes, and doing so with so much strength. he knew he was dying yet he never budged an inch.

[@Dr10Jeeps]

+Andrew Deen Very well said. And to those people who like to say that there are no atheists in fox holes, I point them to the last videos of Hitchens before his death. I also point them to friends and family of mine who lay on their deathbeds as firm in their beliefs in science and evidence as they were in the prime of their lives. The tragedy in losing a person like Hitchens is that he could educate and entertain in such an articulate, intelligent, thoughtful, and witty manner. This helped his ideas to reach millions.

[@thomasbriggs4718]

+Dr10Jeeps He loved to quote Voltaire, when upon his deathbed was urged to renounce Satan, and replied, "Now is not the time to make new enemies"

[@johnhenry2113]

+Thomas Briggs I wasn't familiar with that quote....how wonderfully witty...thank you.

[@Holy_hand-grenade]

He was a wonderfully charismatic man and a very sharp historian, journalist & polemicist among other talents. However, he wasn't Darwin, Einstein, Lincoln, Jefferson, JFK, Steve Jobs etc... someone who had such a widespread, long lasting impact on humanity. don't get me wrong, I love listening to him, I appreciated his courage to speak truth to power, go against the grain and be non-PC, take any debate challenger on a variety of topics, etc. yet, I just don't believe his impact was great enough to consider his loss one of the greatest to humanity. I wish it were, because that would have meant that FAR more people had tuned in to what this man had to say on religion, the danger of Islam, his writings on Jefferson, Paine, and on and on, and our world would be a far saner place with a much better aggregate vocabulary!

[@summercoat]

Holy_Hand_Grenade-of-Antioch He’s still busy working his magic; it’s too soon to say how important he will or won’t be in the long run. As long as his words exist in print and vocally on the internet, he will continue to win over minds with his reason and wit.

[@mizpappas]

I really have a lot of reverence and deep appreciation for this man.

[@tevita101]

"When a wise man speaks, you are either smart enough to realise therefore not speaking and listening or you are too stupid to even know what's happening in the first place". The love I have for such a stranger (hitchens) is beyond words. Thank you so much for changing me as a person. R.I.P

[@bishplis7226]

define wise

[@Martin-sp4zf]

Full credit to Mr. Taylor, who interviewed so well on our behalf.

[@UKtoUSABrit]

Could listen to Hitchens all day. Sadly missed. We could have really used his intellect over last decade!!

[@getit9066]

Sure, but what about _after_ you graduated from Middle School?

[@UKtoUSABrit]

@getit9066 LOL 😆 He was one of most respected public intellectuals of his time - even among those with differing opinions to Hitchens. But it takes an above-average IQ to fully appreciate him. Not sure why you apparently don't! 🤔

[@getit9066]

@@UKtoUSABrit Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I appreciate it.

[@AnkiMirandaBellyDance]

indeed!

[@patrickkirby7612]

Hitchens lives om forever. His work is a big part of the foundation of future intelligent humans. Love you Christopher. You're alive in our hearts and minds.

[@keniag5]

Yes

[@mariasemionov6115]

It's 2021 and the world is still in need of a Hitch!

[@Balkowitsch]

This man will forever be missed, I am in love with his mind and his wit.

[@whirledpeas3477]

Thanks Shane. He's will always be in intelligent people's minds

[@adrianlindsay3194]

Nothing about Mr Hitchens was ever boring. Enjoyed the videos and all of his writing immensely and miss him terribly.

[@alihs1]

I want to live to see the day that the people would vote for a athiest presidency. 

[@TristanJCumpole]

Secular. The atheism follows.

[@Faggydoo]

Seeing that the us is using a 200 year old constitution I'd say you won't see the day, yet I wish you would :)

[@alihs1]

Muu Duu​ I live in australia and I dont think that applies to me.

[@Faggydoo]

bob jane Well good luck to you then.

[@axelbrannstrom6622]

Jefferson?

[@keniag5]

Well, it's 2022 and I just discovered him. He is very much alive on my youtube every single day since. I'm jealous of anyone who knew of him even a day before myself. I repeat the obvious as many here have said...the man was brilliant.

[@joelmalone7922]

Kenia, I only discovered Christopher last year and I feel similarly robbed. I'm 36 and had I discovered him 20 years ago when I was 16 I'd have been so happy, as I was a rather serious kid. I was reading everything from Dante and Aleister Crowley to great historians like Stephen Kotkin as well as some revolutionaries.

[@Chardonbois]

I too have only recently discovered Hitch. I don't know how I missed his impact but now can't get enough of his insightful commentary. A sad loss to us all.

[@BadMannerKorea]

I knew of him years before his passing. It was a very intellectual time for me back then, at least from a religious and philosophical sense. I read his books, and very much looked forward to his appearances and debates. I followed him through his sickness and I remember the day he died.

[@joshjackson678]

Been only listening to him for a few months. And I’ve about gobbled up everything I find. He saved me from hell.

[@John53183]

The hitch has given me a new insight into how to look at the world. He has encouraged me and all of his followers to think for ourselves and that is what I believe is his greatest gift to all of us. Don't let anyone else tell you what to think or how you should think, think for yourself.

[@MM-yi9zn]

No one ever will or come even close to this unique & remarkable man. All his writings are exceptional & exciting. What an immense loss. Thank heaven for utube!!!

[@tapster9657]

Followed Hitch before he died and still watch his videos over and over again, I badged him as a legend even before he died, something that I'm sure he would have pulled me on, but such a captivating man, just to listen to him delivering his free flowing, fascinating and awe-inspiring sentences, meant that when he left this world, could only mean a loss in every such way. Hitch was well switched.

[@alaab.hnaidi198]

We have always loved you Hitch, and we will always do. You will be remembered by those who were touched and changed by your great ideas and brilliance

[@edwinpedram]

I'm afraid no one will ever replace the "Hitch"

[@mrdfac]

To replace would be a retraction. Others will surpass Hitch. I tend to think this fact would please (IMO) Hitch. :)

[@skuzaposkuzapo56]

Thank God for that

[@jakobdyck3403]

@@skuzaposkuzapo56 Which one?

[@kalynneknott7927]

I love that whenever I watch something with Hitch on KZbin, the comments of others always sing his praise. It is almost as if his brilliant logic could (and still can) persuade anyone who is willing to listen to see reason.

[@emiliog.4432]

It was the worst news that happened to a good man. We have his writing so he will live on in our hearts and minds forever. He is deeply missed.

[@morchangstudios]

He was such a gift to humanity 😢

[@mdaniels6311]

He still is x

[@A-non-theist]

And always will be.

[@getit9066]

He was a gift to bourbon drinkers, you nitwit.

[@plasticmoon222]

somebody that talks against God is NOT a gift to humanity

[@A-non-theist]

@@plasticmoon222 Nor is a god that would kill innocent babies and children also unborn babies killing animals just because he wasn't satisfied with his creations. A god that commanded genocide having babies beheaded and let christian men save the young virgins for themselves for sex and slavery.

[@markmorrisonbass]

what an inspiration to learn more words and do more research. :) He has changed my thinking!

[@piffmop1]

same same

[@kawasakiwhiptwo5821]

mark morrison I've learned more words listening to him as well Mark. he's expanded my vocabulary quite a bit.

[@helenlauer9545]

mine too. makes me want to be better than i am.

[@theprojectionist1]

it's one thing to 'learn more words', it's another entirely to have the intellectual capacity, the nuance, and the emotional aptitude to correctly retrieve them from the mind's cluttered abyss

[@kevintangney1849]

We've now crossed over into 2019 and I still can't believe such a great man as Christopher Hitchens has left us. We still have his books, essays and videos.

[@2fast2block]

Kevin, to me he was by no means a "great man" but rather a dumbass. Many complain about the crap about religions and politicians. It's a good thing when they have good evidence to back them up. In that regard, Hitch did some of that but my point is many who bitched about what was wrong were also honest enough to seek the truth despite the wrongs found. When it came to getting basic answers, Hitch used bitching or very pathetic gloss overs that answered nothing. He was extremely shallow and his attention to details was deplorable. He said in one of his talks, "In every case we have a better or sufficient explanation." One of the things he listed was the origin of the cosmos. ALL we know proves creation can't happen by natural means so either Hitch is doing his typical huff and bluff or he was telling the truth as if he really looked at this matter in detail. He was doing his typical huff and bluff for his dumbass followers. A "great man" is honest with the details. A deceitful man is not.

[@timolatimor-leste7607]

I couldn't agree with Jesse Colton's comment below more...Christopher was so brave and rational and brilliantly sarcastic, no religion really had a chance against his reason and intellectual prowess.

[@TheLingrush]

R.I.P Hitch!! You left the world a better place with your writings and certainly helped many millions of people look through the lies of religion with simple reflection within!!

[@mariusmanci5879]

“Lies of religion”... you must be into lies of scientism... what a market of delusional fellows bred by idiots.

[@candiceazzara8877]

I just found him on youtube and love his courage for the truth.

[@jonathancrossling1784]

2021 and still need to go and listen to the Hitch, to hear eloquent concise intelligent English spoken. RIP

[@karenkaren3189]

I have worked most of my life as an Oncology nurse and this makes me sad......however, he was still very much Hitch, just as most of my patients retain their essential selves despite the ravages of the disease.

[@renupathak4442]

I am from India and how I admire this man. He is not dead. He lives in our hearts ,in our minds and in the universe. An intellect of fascinating interests, He and Richard Hawkins are a pair that will live on and on in their work, writings ,u tube which cannot be paralleled ever. God bless the two

[@robinghosh8891]

The Greatest Speaker on the Political, Religious and Social behavioural attitudes...Christopher Hitchens will be Always Respected, Adored , Imitated and Loved for All Time...

[@Schutzstafell]

Hearing the intro broke my heart, Hitchens is sorely missed

[@metameta1427]

I came across Christopher in the late 90s on C-SPAN. I was a tweenager. His intellect and wit were magnetic. I followed him through various media the rest if his life and continue now. I enjoy revisiting these programs and imaging the opinions he would hold of the world today. I just wish you were still here.

[@TrevorTownsendOfficial]

I find it strangely, although accidentally disrespectful, that, as I'm watching and listening to the remarkable Christopher Hitchens, KZbin gives me a rediculous advert from a gospel church that is applauding itself for building an FM radio station in Kyrgyzstan. Mr. Hitchens would, if watching from on-high, likely mutter "I rest my case" and finish his drink. I miss his genius and his brilliance.

[@FrankieHchannel]

Trevor Townsend We all do!

[@bishplis7226]

get adblock you mug

[@Mrguy-ds9lr]

And whete would he be watching from. Thats when i put my bible down and say i rest my case.

[@boorhaave5880]

@@FrankieHchannel I don't

[@HighStakesDanny]

Yeah, I pay not to hear that shit. No ads for me. In fact, I have basically rid myself of ads almost completely.

[@benpottsbeats1207]

Christopher taught me how to dearly miss someone I didn't even know. An intellectual gladiator in the colosseum of human discourse. No-one will cast the same shadow.

[@benpottsbeats1207]

@Gary Fletcher Hello. Yes he was. It's highly likely he's gone to the same place as any other human consciousness once its ceased to be. Only difference is he achieved a successful writing career being a best selling author and hundreds of thousands of people paid to hear him speak. He achieved more than me or you will ever achieve - and in a shorter period of time. Dying with conviction in his belief, same as you will. Though it's hopefully in comfort and not being ravaged by cancer Gary.

[@benpottsbeats1207]

@Gary Fletcher Achievement in my opinion is something that is remembered by even one person who outlives you. It's ensuring your family is secure and as comfortable as possible after you have gone, whilst not physically hurting other people in its pursuit. But enjoying the task of bettering yourself and others. There is not and will never be a standard to compare in regards to an eternal life because nobody definitively can know. That is where the freedom too choose ones belief comes into it, hasn't your god instilled in us free will as opposed to a hardwired internalised belief in him by design? So why would a benevolent being punish a person to eternal damnation after instilling in him the ability to be able to believe in whatever he chooses too? That isn't a benevolent God my friend, that is a malevolent one. I guess I just find it easier to have heroes in my own species because my faith and focus is solely based on the life that inhabits earth rather than a creator that will doom me into an eternity of pain, all for loving and holding his creations to a higher standard than him? If Jesus Christ actually asked for the forgiveness of the people who beat and whipped him half to death nailed to a crucifix, how can you not have the propensity to forgive someone like Christopher Hitchens OR myself? Would you forgive your OWN FATHER for burdening you with the cruelest torture all to prove a point? So you see, it wasn't that Christopher seen or cast away god after he was exposed to him, it was that god gave him zero evidence of his existance - same as everybody else. You have not seen god or know what becomes of you after death. And a lifetime of following what others say is the truth doesn't exclude the fact you can not prove to me (or even present to yourself) concrete evidence of a god, other than than a regurgitated form of someone elses doctrine.. You know what takes strength and courage? Dying of cancer and not taking the leap of faith by repenting on the off chance it will save your own skin. That is called having integrity, self identity and an individual thought process. If you believe in the bibles teachings then you believe we were all made in the image of god? Then how DARE you be so hippocritical in the chosen manifestation of gods image in this video. The fact this argument has managed to rage on for thousands of years, or that your priesthood continues to relentlessly rape young children while both inciting and encouraging the most evil behavior in human history is so devilishly un-godlike its fucking nauseating. Why are they exempt from the hell I'm bound for all because of a hierarchical position of power in Gods counsel? I hope when you say Jesus died for our sins he never comes back and looks in the basement of the Vatican.. Thats if his tattered clothes and humble appearance is not laughed at by his pompous followers - who walk around the grand corridors of marble in their finest silk vestments.....

[@gerry5955]

I am so glad this man existed , even for too short a time. As a tribute to him we should all study his writings and endeavour to spread his word and truth in our own sphere of influence no matter how big or small that may be.

[@iampsykoi]

A man who transcended journalism into pure truth, warts and all.

[@paulquinnvoiceover8354]

Fearless, brilliant and always truthful, there will never be another Christopher Hitchens. We sure could use his beacon of wisdom today.

[@NicDavison]

A truly great man with a supreme intellect. Honest and a fundamental realist who came to understand and recognise that true enlightenment is the realisation that belief in the supernatural is futile, but that 'good' is the key to the continued success of humanity, not god. I have listen to his lectures and speeches, I admired him, he will be sorely missed by mankind.

[@bishplis7226]

every 6 year old knows that

[@Actingskint]

what an incredible man , a huge loss for the world

[@rocky5152]

I cannot get enough of this brilliant mind. he is thriving in the intellect of people like me.

[@Illumirage]

Wish I had a voice like that.... This man was an inspiration, and I found him when I really needed it.

[@curleyteeth]

If you are English,you could have a voice like the Hitch.

[@Illumirage]

curleyteeth Well not just his accent, although I like that too. But how deep it is. I sound all nasal, it's annoying. Even I hate my voice, I can only imagine how others feel...

[@Holy_hand-grenade]

+Illumirage If you have a nasally voice, you may have a deviated septum or some sinus issue. If that's not it, you should always be conscious of your diaphragm when you speak, and speak from your chest, not from the middle of your tongue forward. There are many tips in sure you can find to get rid of the nasally sound, even if you just don't have a baritone or bass range voice. if you want it to be huskier, smoking a lot of cigarettes, weed, cigars, and drinking whiskey and bourbon will do the trick. Hitchens was a major chain smoker... wouldn't be at all surprised if he smoked 2-2-5 packs a day.

[@darwinchangman]

Religious folk: "Love your enemies" Also religious folk: "Christopher Hitchens was punished for his blasphemy! May he rot in hell!"

[@TheNarrowGate101]

@@JusBCos sounds like you have a problem with hypocrites not with God himself.

[@calopsitasussa]

A very (rare!) intelligent Mind and Man. My deep respect today and always,

[@85topdollar]

The bible says he who says God does not exist is a fool.

[@stevepook7265]

+Jesus is Lord Yes it does. In the same way that a used car salesman would say "anyone who doesn't buy one of my cars is a fool". Not exactly convincing is it?

[@calopsitasussa]

+Jesus is Lord Regardless of my respect for C. Hitchen's mind, I still believe and respect God in my own ways. But I simply refuse to follow any kind of religion. Religion can perhaps be a useful tool to teach us some important principles of life, but what good is it when people make a bad use of it? Worse, methinks religion was invented by men and not God himself. :)

[@BarbaraManor]

+Jesus is God Eh - the bible says a lot of nonsense. Whoever takes it seriously is a big fool!

[@poozer1986]

@@85topdollar reality says "people who say, he who says God does not exist is a fool" , is usually the biggest fool in the room

[@shadbolt4687]

...and how refreshing that Laurie Taylor plays the reserved yet articulate interviewer...allowing the interesting subject the freedom to hold forth....which is why it's such a great listen.

[@christianmuller292]

I am more than astounded by Hitchens way of explaining things in ways only very few would be able to talk the way he does. This extraordinary human being gone way too soon has ways of talking about things anyone is capable of understanding. There is nothing boring in any of the interviews or other things I've watched on KZbin that I haven't understood. I think that was one of his biggest talents. The day I die I wish I meet my family gone before me but Mr Hitchens is the only real one I'd love to meet and talk too though like him I don't believe in heaven.

[@Maverick0356]

I love listening to him... he’s like the ocean just words flowing effortlessly. His vocabulary is remarkable he makes the dictionary feel fun to learn new words so you can elevate yourself. I miss him and I’ve never met him.

[@patbrennan6572]

mr hitchens was one of my favorite people ever, he showed us the way to truth..

[@dustydirt]

that's a pretty silly statement, since an atheistic worldview doesn't believe in absolute truth.

[@lenaaxe2803]

+dustydirt I don't think you know what atheist means.

[@dustydirt]

+Lena Axe I do! someone who suppresses the truth they know absolutely, in their unrighteousness.

[@gdasailor4634]

+dustydirt You self convict.

[@dustydirt]

+GDA Sailor are you absolutely certain I'm a self convict ?

[@merrybolton2135]

So good to be able to hear him still now

[@atheistleftcomment1807]

If I could bring only one person from the dead (keep in mind my mom died at 60, and I loved her a lot) it would be Christopher Hitchens. I cannot express enough how much respect and admiration I have for this man.

[@gregfelice1969]

Sitting here, 2018. I still miss the man.

[@The.Nasty.]

2021 I still talk about this man at least once a month, Hitch was an inspiration.

[@theprojectionist1]

2023 and yep, same

[@AbdulHannanAbdulMatheen]

👏😐 He was a true hero. Even if I'm forgotten, I hope he is remembered for his honor, principles and upstanding behavior.

[@patrikvesely2139]

I have found Hitch just a few months ago and my life will never be the same again. Thank you Mr Hitchens. Now I want to believe in the afterlife, so I can shake his hand.

[@corkyvanderhaven3391]

So grateful he toughed these out And for all his efforts and work Moved each time I listen Righty-0 definitely still alive on KZbin and in books

[@johnaverydiamzon7953]

I only knew about him from the internet... And I was so bummed out about his death, i've never heard of anyone who is as precise with his language as Christopher.

[@dianemartin6077]

I admired and loved his brilliant speaking and writing; critical commentary analysis. A great thinker.

[@georgeguja6918]

10 years since this champion has been gone Inspite of his flaws his flaws his polemical skills and remarkable intellect is sorely missed

[@williamparker1085]

the interviewer is a very bright man and gets the best out of Hitch....most enjoyable

[@ShanOakley]

He was such a beautiful person.

[@elizabethszwed7851]

Oh Hitch, if you could see the world today. Wish you were around. REST IN PEACE

[@nonoozabletodogmaisaiah4577]

I truly hope he was satisfied. What a valuable live to have lived. To leave such writings rightly condemning religions for there endless atrocities. No one held a flame in the dark as bright or high as Christopher Hitchens.

[@gordie225]

Hitch handled his illness with such dignity and grace. He was not afraid to face the imminent journey back to where he was before he was born. Selfishly, I wish there were a God who could have given us a few more years of this brilliant man.

[@Holy_hand-grenade]

he very well may have been terrified about dying. I think it's fair to say most people, particularly atheists who realize that when it's over, it's OVER. That said, he carried his cross with dignity and courage and whether he was terrified or at total peace with his imminent demise, he certainly held his head high and didn't blubber about it.

[@bishplis7226]

god gave him cancer

[@craigkelly4278]

What a thinker and a man

[@CaptainBlaine]

I hadn’t seen this one. Great interview. I miss him.

[@CaptainBlaine]

@Gary Fletcher oh hush.

[@leeturton9254]

The interviews he did with cancer are beautiful... I can't explain it...he speaks even better if that's possible...i actually feel good after watching these videos...i wonder if he knew how much people liked him?... and did he even care 😆

[@LordWorst]

. 30:57 :D i admit and i'm not ashamed that i shed a tear when the hitch died.. :(

[@xXscreamingkoalaXx]

Great comment

[@JosephNordenbrockartistraction]

I didn't have to go through that experience not knowing him or all his writings spending much of my adult life outdoors. It did upset me greatly to find our paths with not be crossing with nothing I can do about it..i.e. (post mortem videos) A huge giant (vast) memorised education all around precious personality that I'd loved to have had dinner with. He was often funny too :) Exposed truths are the sweetest revenge to the cheaters in the world. Has was a champion well admired.

[@paulban1477]

Lord Worst I did as well. I felt I had lost a vocal and virile ally in the fight against the seemingly interminable hordes of consummate evil.

[@zivaray]

Most eloquent speaking human I’ve ever heard!

[@zetetick395]

So good to see the man face finality with a steadfast humility, Humanity, and that old firebrand wit. May I one day face my own demise with such honesty and straight-forward resolve - Maximum respect RIP

[@tteedghihh]

Hitch is a fan of Alex Chilton (The Box Tops) !!! So awesome. Had no idea he was into that type of music.

[@ScienceWinsEveryTime]

"Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity." -Horace Mann After a career of being one of the most well-lettered, respected, and inspiring critics of the modern world, after publishing over 2 dozen books, after standing for decades against phonies of every stripe with devastating intelligence, humor, and wit, Hitch felt that he would not have made an adequate contribution to the world unless he could participate in advancing cancer treatment for the afflicted. Leave it to Hitch to possess such an ironic strain of humility.

[@donmiata8731]

im 73 and third generation atheist, you could say born an atheist, religion never attracted what i knew about it and learned about it was so unbelievable but now after watching the many vids here from preferably CH but also others i must with retroactivity have to admire my father and grandfather even more, thanks for a large part to Chirstopher Hitchens

[@Silverfox2487]

It's rather inspiring to see him even in this condition, you know he's not well at all and still, he sound in such high spirits and is still as always, as sharp as a tack. The only other thing that's even more inspiring than that is to read all the comments about how every basically agrees with one another. It's a most remarkable feeling that I get when I come to this page in particular but, I rather enjoy all of his videos and all of the comments about him that are shown in the same light as most on this page. I think had he been able to read the comments on this page, he would have surely felt at least a small piece of the gratitude that his fans extended to him and that bring me great joy to think about. This man is, was and always will be a hero to me. An intellectual that will be missed.

[@Lillie_0615]

Do yourself a favor and take the time to listen to this man, from his early commentary to his crusade to enlighten humanity about the lie that is theism. Thank you Mr. Hitchens for the many hours of invigorating debates.

[@menakirpalani]

The compleat man. And good looking too. I see photos of him in his youth and his videos and I'm completely blown away by his looks, his wit, his charm. I miss him.

[@MrUniman609]

A very courageous man, I can't write God bless you, but may your memory live on.

[@bartomiejn6618]

I do admire his calm and rational thinking. Even in such an extremely difficult situation he speaks as he used to speak.

[@joedoe783]

Came on to watch a couple of minutes ended up watching the whole thing. Same every time when Hitchens starts talking.

[@Redman680]

His voice was like poisoned honey. He could destroy anyone in an argument, while sounding like he was sharing his recipe for eggs Benedict.