Remembering Christopher Hitchens- The Thinking Atheist Radio Podcast #38
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- Опубліковано 16 гру 2011
- On BlogTalkRadio at: www.blogtalkradio.com/thethink...
Also on iTunes.
Many have expressed a desire to talk about Christopher Hitchens, his writings, his speeches, his influence on their lives.
In the wake of his much-too-early death, we spend time reflecting on Hitch's life and legacy.
I referenced the debate between Hitch and Rabbi Schmuley Boteach. Here's the link to view: • Christopher Hitchens a...
I've never been as disturbed by the passing of a stranger as I was when Hitch died. He changed my life.
Me too.
I think one of my favourite debates was when Hitchens and Stephen Fry debated a Catholic bishop and Anne Widdecombe (A British conservative politician and practicing Catholic) about the Catholic Church. Widdecombe and the bishop got Hitchsplapped and deep Fryed. ;D
MrMetalover666 that was my favorite
MrMetalover666
Yessssssss
That was a great debate, Hitch and Steven tolerated the Naivety of the Bishop and the out right Stupidity of Anne Widdecombe -- When Hitch defended Steve's Sexual orientation and stated his trust of people saying if a baby sitter showed up dressed like a Catholic priest the first thing Christopher would have done was call 911 then he would call the police.Perrrrrrrrrrfect.
Hitch changed a 49 year old man like myself. He was truly my inspiration.
Rest in power
Seth.
You are too humble!
When you said you are at the kids table (33.38) its at the kids table where the majority sit.
I have Athiest friends and listening to Hitchens, Dawkins and Harris, they don't understand most of it.
But in my office (its a transport company)i have your show on as background listening, and my drivers get you more than the other 'big guns'.
You are also a constant, whereas the others do high profile a few times a year and then move back into there relevant Athiest movements, Charities, e.t.c. you are always there debating and discussing with the 'little people'!
Keep it up mate and fill the niche that is most important as a constant.
I cried a bit when I heard the news, One the greatest friends I never had the opportunity to meet.
"To live on it the hearts of those who loved us is to truly live forever" Carl Sagan
Hitchens work will live on
I only found out about Hitchens about 2 months ago. I can't believe that a year ago today he was still alive, if barely. He's half the reason I came to the truth about my atheism. Not with just the speeches he gave but HOW he spoke really touched me as well. He had such a smooth voice and the most beautiful and eloquent vocabulary. . .it hurt to hear him struggle with his voice in some of his final public appearances. Great man Hitch, I owe him so much.
Christopher Hitchens' is my biggest inspiration. I was very militant before stumbling upon him, but he showed me fierce, unwavering confidence. I was in awe at his wealth of knowledge and the way he held himself. I wanted to be like him. I'm just 14 years old now, but I'm always working towards being that great. My love of science and literature helps, but I hope to continue in his fight. that's what keeps me going. Maybe you'll hear about me one day. Who knows. Just don't lose hope.
Hope you are still around and doing well.
"We've lost one but we've gained many" Wonderfully put, Steph!
Oh and I love your story of having your beliefs challenged and then changed. That's truly a tribute to Hitch.
Hitchens was also instrumental in solidifying the end of faith for me.
Funny, but I avoid videos of him because, as brilliant as he was, watching him causes me so much pain. I can’t bear that he’s gone. 😔
His legacy will live forever!
Gotta say, this was the first time I cried for a person's death since my own father passing. Yeah, he will be missed.
By the time I discovered Christopher Hitchens he had already passed. However, watching his debates and talks forever changed my life! He galvanized me, he pried my mind open, laid bare all my peripheral assumptions about religion, mother Teresa, politics and our existence on this planet. He and his words will be with me until my dying day!
Ten years after the passing of Hitchens, and his arguments and debate points have never lost their edge.
Christopher Eric Hitchens ~4/13/49 -- 12/15/11~ RIP
The beacon that makes light, the light that makes heat, the heat that impels fire, the fire that lights our way. You are indeed brave, good sir knight, and fight with the strengths of many men.
Rest, praeliator, your work here is finished. Thank you, amicus meus.
People here may want to read Hitch's last book-MORTALITY which he put together just before he joined the worms.It is a very short work with a beautiful afterward by his wife Carol Blue.It tells us how to die with grace as a non-believer and how to deal with cancer.In it he says;if he were to convert on his death bed it might not be that bad,as he would rather see the death of one more believer than one more atheist.
A great man....Hitch was my inspiration and led me to the truth...the light....and his contribution to ending religious torment will be forever remembered by all those who live their lives based on reality.
I'm 49 and I'm after the same fierce unwavering confidence you are. Hitchens opened my eyes too. Prepare yourself to lead your generation. Best of luck to you young man(?) in all that you do. Fight the good fight and do not be cowed!! We are behind you all the way!
Thank you so much for this podcast! I will miss that man with all my heart! It's ashame Hitch couldn't have a Merry Mithras this year.
I cried for him yesterday, I hadn't cried for anyone in years (not even lost loved ones).
I loved Christopher Hitchens because I transposed on him the image of my father because he was the first man I had ever felt was a role model to me in that sense.
Thank you Christopher Hitchens, you will be remembered, celebrated and a voice for generations to come. We'll take it from here, Requiescat in pace, amico.
This man made sense ...
thank you for posting this...i finally cried this weekend... "He Gave me ownership of my own life", "he made me feel empowered, enlightened and STUPID"... yes, this very much!
I needed my tears.. I saw the report of his death, on the news and it was like an Uncle or good friend, had died. I was at first stunned, then began sobbing. I will miss him and his writing and intellect. He is one of a kind. Thank you Hitchens.. "We will take it from here."
Christopher Hitchens was a man who was able dispel the myths of theism in an ordered, articulate and often humorous manner. His arguements were well thought out and in turn thought provoking, it has been been a privilege to watch him and he's been a great inspiration. Raise a glass for the Hitch.
He was great man , he changed my life and made me better human .
The first book I read on religion after becoming an atheist was God is not Great, which left a huge impression on me. I'm glad to have known who this incredibly charismatic and ballsy person was before he passed away. He will be missed.
Taizen001
I had to do the audiobook
Watching, listening to and reading Christopher Hitchens made me, makes me, want to be a better speaker and writer, and that is something I will always hold within myself. He, quite literally and directly. changed my life for the better.
Certainly a wonderful closing....once again, thank you Seth!
Oh man... this is really heartbreaking. I'm heartbroken. For the last two years not a day went by that I didn't read or listen to some of Hitchens' work. Infallible arguments and perfect rhetoric. This man was more than a man, becuase he was all a man can be. I will never stop being inspired by this man, and I will NEVER give up on the ideas that inspired me. Where ever I am headed, I will label my greatest achievement in honor and rememberance to Christopher Hitchens.
Hitchens was extremely instrumental on my journey of liberation from religion. Love your podcast. Keep up the good work
Unfortunately I wasn't aware of Christopher Hitchens many years ago, but I was lucky enough to find out about him about 2 years ago.I still haven't found all the wisdom and sincere reason this man has shared with the world. I need to read more books, and I need to find more quotes and papers he has written or said. I am indeed lucky to have found him through our modern means, youtube, and the internet. He was a great champion to the secular thinking in this world.You will be missed Mr. Hitchens
great podcast....thank you Seth for being there...
Truly awesome. The best video on youtube.
I never knew hitch.. but somehow his death and youre "thankyou" made me cry :''(
hitch.. you will be missed
he'll live forever through his work
thank you professor!
Thanks for such a great show. I miss him already so much...Just heartbreaking.
He changed my life. He will live in our memory forever.
I am saddened. He will be remembered and his words live on! We love you Christopher and will miss you.
I feel tremendously fortunate to have seen him before he died. Such a great man.
I've tried to re-listen to this a few times and every time I tear up and can't continue watching.
only found Mr Hitchens 1 month ago on you tube and am proud to say he changed my life,inspirational ,educational ,motivational,Has made me focus more on things that matter and push what is crap to one side ,I am a christian but the education I have gotten over the last month is jeopardizing that ,my tolerance for bulshit is fading fast .Will be looking for inspiration elsewere such as Dawkins ,Harris etc .but they have to lift there game to come close to Hitch .RIP Mr Hitchens,Thank You
May his wisdom echo throughout eternity
Loved the ending piece, very apropos. Thank you.
There is a Hitch size hole in our hearts / minds, that I am so glad he was able to fill.
We salute you. Thank you..........Thank you for helping us have a better outlook on life
Anytime I saw a vid come up with Hitchens and ANY theist debating, it was like watching a battle with the theist armed with a pea shooter and Christopher armed with an nuclear sub. You knew how it was going to turn out. I feel privileged to have shared the planet with this great man. I am sure many lit students will discuss, study and critique his writing style and incredible wordplay and wit. We will miss him for sure.
Very honorable video, thank you very much !
good podcast Seth, you said exactly what we are all thinking
I was deeply saddened by the loss of The Hitch.I only recently became a voracious aficionado of his many varied works, and I lament not learning of this great man sooner. I am exceptionally well read, but even I had to hit up the online dictionary to learn about some words he used, and he inspired me to be better, and to think. I hold him in the same class as other historically important theologians as Socrates, Nietzsche, and Epicurus. Humanity has suffered a great loss.
Hitchens will be missed and not forgotten. I know that one day we will, we must, prevail. Hold fast and lead by example, my friends.
Just brilliant. An hour well spent. Almost makes you happy to be alive during the progressing, atheistic conciousness
I never had "faith" that Christopher Hitchens was not going to die.
The amount of information he happily imparted (studied, and fully fleshed ideologies and commitment to the TRUTH OF REALITY) upon us, not as smart, not as well read, not as intellectual plain old folk who don't believe in the supernatural. It is some of the most progressive and impressive information that has ever been gifted to mankind.
His life was so much more important then his death, his words live on Forever.
Amen. Hitchens legacy will never die.
"I'M STUPID!!" X-D
I can honestly say that that's exactly how Hitchens made me feel after listening to one or two of his debates for the first time lol I seriously felt this mixture of power, self-esteem, relief. . . and extreme ignorance. . .after listening to Hitch speak. I felt englightened from listening to him speak about his education and experience, but he really just helped me realize that there's so much (SOOOO much) that I don't know. Hitch made me think like no one else ever did.
rip Christopher, i didn't know him before today, but watching his interviews i know he was a great mind
Love the podcast. thanks :)
One of the 4 horsemen has gone. My heart is heavy for i know this life is the only one we live. Now we can only remember him, and try to live up to his memory.
@NewUser21111 I agree. Many people are meeting him for the first time in his debates and his books since his passing. And are being mesmerized by what they read and hear. His death is having a massive positive impact on atheism and free thought.
I don't know if I would've ever known of him without his death. He changed me. He helped me stand up. I am not in debt to him, but rather, I am reminded that I was in debt to myself. I owe myself life. Here's to Christopher *takes a drink in his honor*.
Christopher Hitchens - missed but never forgotten.
We are all better off for having him.
Thanks Hitch
I cried and I listened to the podcast and heard the last four minutes and laughed.
Just read the introduction and first letter in Letter to a Young Contrarian, then read some of the reports of his death. First, you'll realize he is even MORE brilliant than you previously thought. Second, you'll see it is almost like he saw it coming. All of what he accused the media of even back in 2001, it still rings true to the day.
Christopher Hitchens was a brilliant, entertaining, challenging champion. He has been my hero for over half a decade, and will always have that position.
It should write on his tombstone:
"Here lies another dead hero and one great mind the world has never known"
Around the 47:00 minute mark you talk about knowing your strengths... Your podcasts, obviously are one such thing. I would say, also public speaking is definitely one. I rewatched your speech at the Oklahoma Freethought 2011. It was fantastic. I obviously can say nothing about how good you are at debates, but I know that when it comes to presenting something to the public, you are definitely highly skilled. No doubt about that.
May Hitchens words live forever. He was the best I ever saw. Good Day. Over n' Out.
Glad to be a new subscriber
Thank you Seth.
im really sad that he`s gone, but at lest his memory live`s on in youtube and we will always have his videos to watch :) !!!!
Hitchens was not the guy that caused me to loose my faith, I had lost it long before I found him.
However, because of him, I learned that its acceptable, and in fact good, to challenge the believers. I had placed myself as a second class citizen until I started listening to him. I now go toe to toe with the most religious people in my city.
I will miss Hitchens. But I know that his message will live on in all of us.
very good work, thinking
great podcast for a great man
As Christopher Hitchens quoted great thinkers from the past... Hitchens now will be quoted as a great thinker of the now. It is a honor to have lived in the time of Christopher Hitchens.
@TheRadioshake Yes indeed. Hitchens is no more, but the baton is in our hands now and we are behooved to equal him in the least and build on his legacy for the future.
I've just discovered Hitchens and this channel. Sweet sweet liberty. Your tribute and thoughts on Hitchens are beautiful. I think I have some homework to do: Jefferson, Paine (sp?), Voltaire, Spinoza. I will never ever be the same. We all need to grow up if we are to escape the specter of extinction, without the evil distractions of (most) wars and religion.
It had never occurred to me why one would NOT want there to be a God. Wow and wow and wow.
I am starting my own Hitchmas celebration. I invite all to join me. I will make it a priority to read/ re-read at least one thing by Christopher Hitchens every December. I am grateful for so many things, and I am appreciative of Christopher Hitchens for shining the light and helping me truly appreciate them in a free and reasoned way.
I'm one of the ones who only knew about Hitchens peripherally before now. He was one of the names that cropped up a lot, but not a mind with which I had engaged properly. That's changed now, so you were at least right about that as far as my situation goes.
it's a shame I only found out about Hitch and his work after his demise (a couple months back). a great man, a great debater and a great speaker with great ideas. he's dearly missed :(
I usually skip through the intro anyway. I've listened to every podcast so far, so I've heard it plenty of times.
Long live his words and attitude. The late great Hitch!!!
Well done Hitch, you spent your time well.
As for the question of if any similar figures remain - there's a highly educated, English-born, non-scientist atheist with a talent for public speaking and a complicated past, by the name of Stepen Fry, if that's similar enough. He and Hitch have shared a stage on several occasions in the past. He's also somewhat younger and getting better all the time, so we may still have many somewhat Hitchens-esque moments in our future :)
still new to me, Stefan Molneux and Richard Dawkins grabbed my attention. That of course brought about an introduction to Hitchens. All Phenomenal!
Hitchens had the perfect balance between shock&awe amongst believers.and the intellect and eloquence to back it up so people would keep listening
He knew he couldn't convince the fundies he debated but hoped some fencesitters would listen and take note.
A man who thinks before he speaks but then destroys when he does
Love what you said about being fortunate enough to be living on Earth at the same time as Hitch. I feel the same way. Hitch will be be severely missed and the world became tangibly stupider when he "left the party".
This is a great tribute. Just like you said, I was thinking "I don't know...he is so tough and so strong, he can overcome it." All things come to an end though, which sucks. I, like most of you, am just greedy and more Hitchens until I die. Living in a world without him is not as promising and entertaining.
Long before his death, I planned on buying a suit just to dress like him. I am currently reading Letters to a Young Contrarian, and it fits this situation so well.
@TheSleepwalker17 Nice to hear of your escape from the herd. Congrats and good luck with helping others, it's not easy but definitely worth the effort.
Amazing man...will miss him...he was our modern Socrates
13:13 makes all of us who are ex-Christians tear up. Wonderfully said.
17 minutes into a call in show and no calls are taken. I'm too tired to stay up waiting for calls, so I'm pausing it and I'll watch the rest of it when I wake up.
Great show and yet another great podcast,but your podcast-playlist is a mess with missing episodes everywhere.
I decided I didn't believe in God in December 2009 at age 13, I didn't discover Christopher Hitchens or fully grasp all the arguments until December 2010 at age 14. When I saw him debate I would just listen and smile because he would absolutely demolish anybody that debated with him. I see it now in December 2011 at age 15, I am another year wiser. Thank you Christopher, you've changed my one and only life for the better.
I was never the biggest Hitch fan, I'm more of a Dawkins guy, but he was one of the biggest intellectual powerhouses of our time, he will surely be missed.
Truly a great loss...
If Hitch were here, listening to podcasts, reading blogs, and looking at the forums that still talk about his death, I think he would (with that same smirk on his face) tell all of us that he is honored to be thought of so highly before congenially telling us to kindly stop lingering on the death of a single person when there other things that need doing. (Much like what you said, in fact I was writing this before you talked about what he might have thought of us and his death).
I feel as if I've lost a close friend even though I never meant him. The world has lost a voice for reason and someone who had a huge impact on the lives of others...
@ADADEL1 I think you're right - either that or "Climbing Mount Improbable"... though he repeated it again in 2009s "Greatest Show On Earth".
much love from a belarussian in uk!!
A Void that only a community can fill and fill it we will. My channel has most all of his debates in full if you want to check them out.
@EadTaes Not so long as there are those like you and I who will remember his ideas and repeat them freely.
That said, I mourn for our loss of him all the same. He was my favourite voice of atheism.