PETER HITCHENS - THE KEY TO HAPPINESS | Inspired Edinburgh

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  • Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
  • Elliot Reeves sits down with Peter Hitchens, an award winning journalist, author, broadcaster and renowned conservative polemicist. Having spent in excess of 40 years in Fleet Street, he has been a specialist reporter on education, labour and industry, politics, defence and diplomacy, as well as a resident correspondent in Moscow and Washington.
    After being shortlisted in 2007 and 2009, he won the Orwell Prize in political journalism in 2010. He’s written for The Spectator and The American Conservative magazines, as well as The Guardian, Prospect, and the New Statesman. Now writing for The Mail on Sunday he has a weekly column and blog in which he debates directly with readers.
    To date he has written eight books, including The Abolition of Britain, The Rage Against God, and The War We Never Fought. His most recent book, 'The Phoney Victory' was published in August 2018 and addresses the national myth of the Second World War, which he asserts did long-term damage to Britain and its position in the world.
    A regular on British radio and television, he’s appeared on Question Time, Any Questions?, This Week, The Daily Politics and The Big Questions. He’s presented several documentaries on Channel 4 and in the late 1990s, he co-presented a programme on Talk Radio UK.
    He has also visited nearly 60 countries during the course of his work.
    00.00 Trailer
    00.12 Introduction
    04.00 What do people not ask Peter Hitchens that he wished they would?
    04.40 What does Peter find interesting about himself?
    05.40 Peter’s early life
    07.30 Peter’s relationship with his parents
    08.10 Peter’s thoughts on boarding school
    10.30 Peter on losing his Mother
    11.30 Peter on his University life
    12.10 Peter’s career aspirations
    13.30 Being taught what to think, not how to think
    15.40 What are the things Peter says that people cannot tolerate?
    17.00 How can we create a society that produces better thinkers?
    21.00 Education system vs Parenting
    22.10 Modern day Britain and it’s position in the world
    26.00 Pessimism being the key to happiness
    27.30 Peter on the why he opposes the legalisation of cannabis
    36.30 Peter’s biggest regret
    36.50 Peter on opposing ideas and having a conscience
    38.40 How does Peter define God?
    41.00 How does Peter think people perceive him?
    41.40 Why does Peter think some people hate him?
    42.30 How can you know if you’re right?
    43.10 Peter on addiction
    47.00 Spirituality and religion
    47.50 Could God exist outwith religion?
    49.29 Peter on his purpose
    51.20 Peter on open-mindedness
    52.10 Peter on his legacy
    52.30 What does Peter think his brother, Christopher Hitchens’ legacy is?
    55.40 How does Peter define success?
    55.50 Best piece of advice
    56.50 Speaking to 20 year old self
    57.20 Older and younger generation sharing knowledge
    57.50 Changing the world
    You can find Peter at:
    hitchensblog.m...
    www.spectator....
    / clarkemicah
    Find Inspired Edinburgh here:
    www.inspiredinb...
    / inspiredinburgh
    / inspiredinburgh
    / inspiredinburgh
    About Inspired Edinburgh:
    Inspired Edinburgh is a pre-eminent video and media production company. We are centred around a world class online talk show that delivers powerful conversations with fascinating people.
    Hashtags: #PeterHitchens #PeterHitchensLatest #PeterHitchensBestOf #HitchensvsHitchens #PeterHitchensQuestionTime #ChristopherHitchens #Hitchslap #ElliotReeves #Inspiredinburgh
    Intro sequence:
    Edinburgh Time lapse Part 4 (4K) by Adam Robertson
    www.adamrobert...
    • Edinburgh Time lapse P...
    / @adsrabs
    Edinburgh Timelapse by Krzysztof Wrzos
    kwrzos.co.uk
    • Edinburgh Timelapse
    / @majonezzzz
    Intro music:
    Raid - No Empathy For The Machines
    • Raid Kyu - No Empathy ...
  • Розваги

КОМЕНТАРІ • 237

  • @paulies5407
    @paulies5407 4 роки тому +43

    My favourite eternal pessimist. Peter Hitchens, keeping it as real as ever

  • @Travis1365
    @Travis1365 4 роки тому +48

    Always loved Peter Hitchens. He is a thinker among an unthinking society. God bless you Peter.

  • @markcreemore4915
    @markcreemore4915 4 роки тому +27

    The King of the Black Pill.
    But witty, urbane and brilliant even when teetering on the edge of the abyss we are all about to pitch into.

  • @rosalindrussell1020
    @rosalindrussell1020 4 роки тому +88

    He is a very principled man and long may he continue to have a voice in the public arena

  • @elizabethdjokovic2691
    @elizabethdjokovic2691 4 роки тому +1

    " I tend to find myself more interesting than the person I'm interviewing.". I like it.

  • @philcorrigan6603
    @philcorrigan6603 4 роки тому +27

    Well done with the interview, the start felt a little bit like Peter was going to put you through a bumpy ride but you adapted well. I guess the guy has become pretty defensive as he's so constantly, viscerally attacked. The awkward laughter I saw someone else criticize was actually a net positive overall, it was really key to opening him up and animating him. Good job.

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому +4

      Thank you for an excellent objective assessment of the interview, Phil.
      Yes, it took a good while to get the conversation moving and without a lighter approach I felt it would have been dead on arrival.

  • @wendywolfman
    @wendywolfman 4 роки тому +6

    Peter Hitchens is the Van Morrison of the journalism world.

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому

      “Van Morrison's voice a fierce beacon in the darkness, the lighthouse at the end of the world.”
      Definitely checks out Wendy!

  • @joanketelby752
    @joanketelby752 4 роки тому +4

    This is the most optomistic interview of Peter Hitchens.

  • @jalaw2075
    @jalaw2075 4 роки тому

    Peters comment on being attacked in his home are pertinent given the film of him being followed around Oxford recently.

  • @chriswthomsonshetland
    @chriswthomsonshetland 4 роки тому +2

    I enjoy Peter’s analysis of most topics, even if I disagree, however his arguments regarding Cannabis suffer from a lack of context and nuance. Would bringing cannabis into a strong regulatory framework not mitigate harm? Perhaps the issue is that he can’t conceive of that happening within this changed world, that legalisation at this moment would only potentiate its harms. He may be right in this context, but I doubt it.

  • @igypop.
    @igypop. 4 роки тому +8

    As always Hitchens 1 rest of the world 0

  • @AdamSmith-de5oh
    @AdamSmith-de5oh 4 роки тому +2

    I think Peter Hitchens is an interesting guy however so many things he says I just urgh over. Like what he said about people not waiting for people to leave a train before they get on. Most of the time people do, especially if you're outside of London. He talks about talking to people who don't know how to think on Twitter. There are a lot of young and stupid people on Twitter. I wonder what Peter Hitchens would think if he could speak to his old marxist self on there.

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому

      That’s a good question! 56:50 is probably the best insight into your last point

  • @ChuckOriley
    @ChuckOriley 4 роки тому +2

    I like this guy but his ego is out of control

  • @erniesbiscuits8691
    @erniesbiscuits8691 4 роки тому +1

    Is it just me or is Peter getting more and more difficult to interview as he ages? It's perhaps because, as he states, he is sick of answering the same questions, but he sure is prickly these days.

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому

      Yeah, that’s why I tried to open with the ‘what do people never ask you that you wish they would?’
      A typical response might be ‘no one ever asks if I’m okay’. But Peter just chose to blast me instead 🤣

  • @MW-eg4gu
    @MW-eg4gu 4 роки тому +1

    My dear millennial optimist- host, too much intro to begin your show, and, yes, you young thing, you're laughing big now, but wait'll you get to Mr. Hitchen's age (or mine, 72)- and you're a nice, young man, but it's MR. HITCHENS to you, not "Peter". - in other words, DOWN WITH INFORMALITY AND BRING BACK FORMALITY AND TRADITION!!!!!

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому

      Thank you for your comment. Whilst it’s critical, it’s constructive and fair and I enjoyed reading it. As an aside, I sometimes wish I could email or converse with the people behind the more well thought out comments as these sections are rather limiting.
      I’m 37 so tend to think of myself as a ‘mature millennial’, though I’m young at heart! 😊 I was educated at Fettes College and Edinburgh University so am versed in formality and tradition, but it would be too cold and impersonal for these conversations. I’ve done many interviews and a warm and personable approach works best in my opinion; it’s also my natural disposition. And I don’t wish to be the guests subordinate as I see us as equals. Humans, I believe, are sophisticated ants ‘on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam’, all of us as important and unimportant as the other.
      Verbose introductions are my own personal preference. They’re not to everyone’s taste but many (most) guests commend me on them. They’re also the most well researched on this platform.
      I’m interested to know why age should be a determining factor in one’s worldview. I’d assume it’s a) because one’s perception of ‘the present’ is that it’s worse than ‘the past’. Or b) due to the increasing awareness that one’s ‘time’ is theoretically ‘running out’.
      Ultimately, I’m optimistic because I choose to be. It’s not influenced by the external world, socio-economic, or political factors, and my relationship with my own mortality is such that it has minimal bearing on my state of mind. If you ask me, optimism is the secret to happiness.
      Take care and enjoy your weekend,
      Elliot ❤️🧡💛

    • @MW-eg4gu
      @MW-eg4gu 4 роки тому

      @@INSPIREDINBURGH think little of that comment of mine. You're doing well. Age. Yes, at 72 I'm suddenly hit by all sorts of maladies. My wife also. Ironically, we might have finally gone to Britian. But the virus hit. A year before that my wife's heart attack hit. A year before that the nasty, odd maladies I still suffer from hit. I had wanted to at least set foot in Europe, additionally Britian, at least once in my (our) lives, but I don't know how we'd feel on a long trip (we live in Miami)that a mere ten years ago we could have taken in with ease. So, you see, passed, say, age 65, it all starts to crumble for some of us. But I can virtually be there now thanks to youtube and Basil Rathbone movies. So, age, I'm afraid it can be a factor. As for Mr. Hitchens, he's coming across as the loveable Curmudegeon (like your Evelyn Waugh, well, Chesterton was the jolly one to his end). Also, he knows. He knows we have no lasting city in this life. There can be no utopia in this world. The harder it is tried, the more dictatorial the government must become. In this life, when young, we have little wisdom but do have a kind of "immortal body." When old, we have wisdom but our bodies fail us. Only in the next life are we given the best of both back. You are a nice and intelligent young man. I love you Brits. Take care and God bless! Pray everyday!!!

  • @vashna3799
    @vashna3799 4 роки тому +96

    Not a conservative or religious but Peter’s a national treasure to England.

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому +18

      A national treasure to Britain, though some of my fellow countrymen (Scots) likely disagree.

    • @susannamarker2582
      @susannamarker2582 11 місяців тому

      I am a Conservative and religious and Peter Hitchens is a national treasure to the UK.

  • @NothingHumanisAlientoMe
    @NothingHumanisAlientoMe 4 роки тому +86

    Sam Harris "there is no freewill"
    Peter Hitchens "isn't that convenient"

  • @fightintheshade
    @fightintheshade 4 роки тому +75

    the only people bothered by Hitchens are those who know he's right.

  • @trautman3375
    @trautman3375 4 роки тому +33

    Found Hitchens few years ago on UA-cam. I remember that first interview ,... he pissed me off big time.. usually when I regard someone as a giant ass-clown I just go to the next vid after few more mins. I did the same but with Peter something was different, .. something bugged me still after I 'calmed down'.. I could still recall what his argument was and the logic he built that up with, until the point I left … and that did not let me rest. A few days later I swallowed my ego and went back and finished that roughly an hr or hr and a half long vid... by the end of it, I had to admit that he was indeed right on a particular subject and I've done my homework on that afterwards. I genuinely like this guy ever since. Most people just piss you off. He pisses you off too, but he explains it why. Properly. From A to Z … Hey Peter man!! Eat your veg and walk a lot, we want you to be with us for another 30 years at least!!

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому +5

      This is a great comment Jakob! I’ve just shared some of the comments here on Twitter and have tagged Peter - I’ll share this one in the next couple of days too. I particularly like your closing sentiment 😁👍🏼

    • @Rootle2
      @Rootle2 6 місяців тому

      Don't worry, Peter is a big cyclist and he seems to know important things about diet and processed foods from things I've read of his

  • @istvantoth7431
    @istvantoth7431 4 роки тому +40

    I can only quote Obi Van Kenobi - Hitchens is an "elegant weapon for a more civilized age".

  • @trollop_7
    @trollop_7 4 роки тому +44

    How long will it be before Russell Brand concedes every last point that Peter Hitchens make in this interview?

  • @nicck
    @nicck 4 роки тому +33

    Peter Hitchens talks about his childhood like it was centuries ago, but to be honest, it was this way up until the mid 90's. The internet and mass media has done a lot of damage.

  • @no_namematrix8630
    @no_namematrix8630 4 роки тому +28

    Asking Peter Hitchens how to be happy is like asking a penguin how to fly!!
    (He's my favourite grump though)

  • @briangc6104
    @briangc6104 4 роки тому +14

    I hate false humility... This is one reason I 'love' Peter Hitchens. Of course the fact that he articulates my thoughts so well also helps.
    He articulates the Biblical world view which is founded on a moral basis. Civil behaviour is founded on the Biblical adage of loving your neigbour as yourself. Depart from that and you enter into the uncivilised world.

  • @Macro_Abuser
    @Macro_Abuser 4 роки тому +21

    Peter claims addiction doesn't exist but I'm addicted to watching UA-cam content of him. Mental discipline can only go for far. I keep telling myself "just one more video" but the satisfaction and pleasure only lasts so long before I'm pining for more.

  • @lwil1226
    @lwil1226 4 роки тому +20

    When I first used to read Peter Hitchens I knew he was right in what he was saying, but I hated his message because it was so pessimistic and depressing. I have now stopped pretending to be an optimist and I am much happier, and much better informed, as a pessimist for the reasons Peter gives in this interview. Thank you Peter.

  • @rww805
    @rww805 4 роки тому +12

    I like Peter Hitchens precisely because he seems annoyed with everybody doing everything wrong. The man is a legend, but if he encountered situation or series of events with which he was entirely happy, I'd be worried that the universe was about to implode.

  • @samuelpoulston2964
    @samuelpoulston2964 4 роки тому +8

    You're not ugly or fat Peter. Plus even if you were your values and principles make you very attractive.

  • @mjr4314
    @mjr4314 4 роки тому +12

    What an enjoyable discussion. Clearly the interviewer did his homework and was actually able to make Mr. Hitchens think a few times. You can tell at the actual pauses as he thought. Not an easy task with him as he is quite bored of the standard fare.

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому +1

      Thanks so much Mark, I take my time researching guests so glad it showed. Glad you enjoyed it too; I’ve shared your comment along with some others on our Twitter feed and tagged Peter in it 😊👍🏼

  • @GNeuman
    @GNeuman 4 роки тому +6

    His almost lone voice on the pandemic brought me here and I've not been disappointed. Thanks for uploading this interview.

  • @christianleblanc2842
    @christianleblanc2842 4 роки тому +10

    My version: Don't expect anything and you won't be disappointed.

  • @E2ReviewPodcast
    @E2ReviewPodcast 4 роки тому +6

    14.38: 'In a primitive society someone like me would have been clubbed to death at an early age' 😂

  • @reference12
    @reference12 4 роки тому +9

    First time I've viewed Inspirededinbrugh a truly excellent and inspiring guest plus a refreshing, open and relaxed style of interview, great job guys.
    Peter has the unique ability to challenge and unsettle people to think through important issues for a fuller and more considered opinion if allowed to go there.
    It is sad however that he will be an observer and record keeper of the decline of this once grest nation.

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому +2

      Thanks reference12 - very much appreciated! 👍🏼

  • @JoanKentBible
    @JoanKentBible 4 роки тому +8

    What does the Lord require of thee... 49.22: I have great respect for Peter Hitchens.

  • @oldmangimp2468
    @oldmangimp2468 4 роки тому +8

    Interviewing the world's preiminent skepic about the topic of happiness...
    ...y'all got stones. Excellent job.

  • @vineeth547
    @vineeth547 4 роки тому +7

    Extremely hard person to interview

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому +5

      Vineeth Paul thank you for noticing. Yes, he seems to quite enjoy it too 😆 I could fight fire with fire but that’s the mistake most interviewers make; it just creates an impasse. Laughing it off allowed us to have a pretty good chat, if I do say so myself.

  • @coramdeo4955
    @coramdeo4955 4 роки тому +8

    'Yea, HAPPY is that people, whose God is the Lord' PSALM 144:15

  • @Beauchampignon
    @Beauchampignon 4 роки тому +6

    This was a great listen. Was not aware of the hair mentioned below until the end!
    It would be interesting to understand what message he would give to expats living here temporarily and whether this message would be effective for someone living here for only 2 years. I know at least one person who spent only a gap year here working in aged care and returned a completely different person, almost as though they follow what Peter says.
    Secondly, a small point is that Christopher’s talks have left a legacy - it’s hard to think of a better speaker.
    Finally several years ago poundland were selling pairs of reusable large plastic cups, one labelled optimist and the other labelled pessimist. I used to keep both on my desk at work, however the pessimist cup went missing. This interview has challenged my beliefs as to why it went missing and the sort of person that would take it.

  • @Macro_Abuser
    @Macro_Abuser 4 роки тому +12

    How did you coerce bae to come to Scotland? I would freaking love to meet him!

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому +10

      He was in Edinburgh for the international book festival. I reached out to him and he was very forthcoming and generous with his time. A pessimist he may be but his heart is in the right place 😊

  • @James_36
    @James_36 4 роки тому +6

    Love Peter but when he says "leave" he does need to qualify where and why to the new location... It is not good advice otherwise and I wish he would qualify that piece of alleged wisdom. If he continues to just say leave and doesn't qualify it, it just comes across as a simple resentment of the nation and ends up not being considered as good advice

    • @adambritain5774
      @adambritain5774 3 роки тому

      James You clearly aren’t overly au fait with PH. If you were, you’d know he believes that if you have to ask ‘where’, you’re too wet to make it.

    • @James_36
      @James_36 9 місяців тому

      @@adambritain5774 I am very aware of him, he does not have the courage to leave the nation he thinks is doomed either... if he is of the soul belief it is doomed why is he not uprooting his whole family to escape the promise lands he knows?

  • @johnnysprocketz
    @johnnysprocketz 4 роки тому +6

    The hitchens boys are brilliant!

  • @Le_Trouvere
    @Le_Trouvere 11 місяців тому +1

    'I'm not sure enjoy is the word'. Oh come on Peter you can admit you had a good time if you can be found smirking or at least engaged throughout.😆I think his modesty sometimes tugs on his honesty often times.

  • @carolinenorman6141
    @carolinenorman6141 4 роки тому +6

    I love this man I wish he was the mentor for all the young people in this country

  • @Belfreyite
    @Belfreyite 4 роки тому +1

    You only have to look at the litter that floats about to understand that Britain has lost any vestige of national pride, leave aside the fat, shapeless half breeds that drag us through the mire in sunnier holiday destinations.
    This isn’t isolated, but rife and endemic.
    How on earth can anyone other than a clueless hypocrite champion such as the behaviour of an advanced society?
    We are sunk.

  • @trippydippy-j5n
    @trippydippy-j5n 10 місяців тому +1

    Peter says he will not trot to silly questions and spends his life asking questions and giving his opinions on issues he claims he doesn't care about.

  • @borderlands6606
    @borderlands6606 4 роки тому +3

    A book on the Battle of Britain opens with an elderly former pilot watching a Peter Cook WW2 sketch about the necessity for a "pointless sacrifice". Peter represents the generation who laughed at that skit but who are no longer laughing. Sadly, there are still people who would find it hilarious. People never learn.

  • @vittoriadeisanti5893
    @vittoriadeisanti5893 4 роки тому +4

    Mr. Peter Hitchens never disappoints in his commentary. Whether one accepts his argument is secondary, his primal conviction is pure genius. Thankful for the Micah 6:8 scripture, a verse to live by for certain.

  • @yamabushi170
    @yamabushi170 4 роки тому +9

    Great job of exploring Peter's beliefs and some of the less explored areas of his mind. Well done!

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому +2

      Thanks for recognising this, and for commenting 😊👍🏼

  • @deanellis3468
    @deanellis3468 9 місяців тому +1

    “In a primitive society someone like me would have been clubbed to death at an early age” hahaha

  • @D97mgtow
    @D97mgtow 4 роки тому +6

    There is a principle in psychology which says pessimists have more realistic views of reality.

  • @TheMikeHolland
    @TheMikeHolland 4 роки тому +6

    Lovable curmudgeon.

  • @HebrewsElevenTwentyFive
    @HebrewsElevenTwentyFive 4 роки тому +7

    Wonderful discussion 🤙🏾

  • @PeterShieldsukcatstripey
    @PeterShieldsukcatstripey 4 роки тому +6

    So much love for God. You can see it.

  • @dembydish
    @dembydish 4 роки тому +5

    I really enjoyed this interview. It was wonderful to see PH so relaxed and oddly likable. Excellent.

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому

      That means a lot! Glad you enjoyed it 😊👍🏼

  • @NiceGuyEddie397
    @NiceGuyEddie397 4 роки тому +6

    Love Peter Hitchens!

  • @galleon1968
    @galleon1968 4 роки тому +5

    I like this guy.Really smart just like his bro!

  • @mickbuxton9165
    @mickbuxton9165 4 роки тому +4

    One of the best Peter Hitchens interviews that I've seen in a good while. Well done! If only people would listen and digest, rather than come back with their, prejudiced knee-jerk reactions. In addition the emotional response when talking about his dalliance with cannabis, I've rarely seen.

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому +1

      Incredibly kind of you Mick - very much appreciated and glad you enjoyed it 😊👍🏼

  • @kittykatja5961
    @kittykatja5961 3 роки тому +1

    Although I don't always agree with him, he talks a lot of sense and believes in free speech. I liked his brother too, although for different reason. He is quite self effacing and never found him rude when expressing his strong held views.

  • @The_Scouts_Code
    @The_Scouts_Code 4 роки тому +4

    He seems like a hard man to interview if you haven't got something particularly interesting to ask.

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому +1

      When he is in this persona he’s a tricky interview, yes. ‘Interesting’ is subjective - one person’s interesting is another person’s boring. I think we mainly spoke in his interests. Thanks for your comment 👍🏼

  • @nedlambton6602
    @nedlambton6602 4 роки тому +2

    Truly happy people tend to not find themselves any more interesting than anybody else. This is because their mind or ego has subsided to the point where they see others as not separate from who they themselves are. The bodily organism known as Peter Hitchens would appear to be quite far from this realisation, which his mind can only conceive of intellectually as opposed to experientially. Sadly this is not enough.

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому +1

      I won’t lie to you Ned - I’m a fan of this post. You clearly grasp the higher levels of awareness/consciousness 👍🏼❤️🧡💛

  • @robertswitzer990
    @robertswitzer990 4 роки тому +7

    Really a bright man. Glad to see someone else get him on to listen to what Hitchens has to say.

  • @chrisdavie8163
    @chrisdavie8163 4 роки тому +3

    I would love to read a Peter Hitchen's manifesto and know exactly what that man thinks on a range of issues. I know the nationalisation of our railways would be there for starters!

  • @Greylin91
    @Greylin91 4 роки тому +3

    That smug thumbnail of Peter after he's necked a pint of full fat Jersey Milk and a line of morality

  • @HLByron
    @HLByron 4 роки тому +7

    That 's' squeak is awful.

  • @shamanahaboolist
    @shamanahaboolist 4 роки тому +1

    Does anybody actually believe that Peter Hitchins has any idea on how to be happy?? Cause it seems blatantly obvious to me that he doesn't.

  • @duggystoneradio
    @duggystoneradio 4 роки тому +11

    he's bang on about cannabis it will get legalized for the tax dollars

  • @MadderMel
    @MadderMel 4 роки тому +2

    I like Peter already , only knew about him during this covid crisis !

  • @greg1mcintosh844
    @greg1mcintosh844 4 роки тому +2

    Oh my God this just made my day. I'm reminded of one interview with Peter Hitchens when he said I have no sense of humour. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @user-qb7ms6vs7s
    @user-qb7ms6vs7s 4 роки тому +3

    I agree, understanding truth, reality is freeing comforting and is balanced. cup not full or empty but just where reality says it is at that moment in time.

  • @kynismos
    @kynismos 4 роки тому +2

    I wouldn't call Germany a sensible country.
    Greetings from Germany.

  • @williampowhida572
    @williampowhida572 4 роки тому +2

    He is lucky to have had a brother of the caliber of Christopher Hitchens. Both brothers are full blown intellectuals with a wonderous capacity to explain their ideas. Sorry that Christopher, the magician with wit and language, has died.

  • @adhithyasodhi3203
    @adhithyasodhi3203 4 роки тому +2

    Insightful and lucid as always, but not exactly the first person I'd seek out for advice on being happy :)
    Edit - quote at 49.23 is an elegant summary of the man himself

  • @Enquiringmind777
    @Enquiringmind777 4 роки тому +11

    Peter hits the nail on the head 55:13 "you're free, you have complete autonomy" regarding atheism. Many who cling to atheism do so because they think they no longer have to deal with their sins. It makes them feel better, it gives them a free pass. What did Adam and Eve do in the garden when they sinned? They ran away from God and hid, and that is what human beings still want to do, run and hide from God, better still if we can stop believing in God it makes it much easier for them. Well, that is till they are confronted with the word of God.

  • @Robhalifax
    @Robhalifax 4 роки тому +2

    I've never thought of myself as a conservative but I keep coming back to Peter Hitchens. What does that mean? I don't know. Yet!

  • @deanellis3468
    @deanellis3468 9 місяців тому

    I agree with Peter on many things, but his views on addiction are completely asinine and vacuous. Hundreds of thousands of people die every year from drug/alcohol related abuse, with many having stopped over and over again (with a sincere desire to be sober) yet ultimately being unable to. Plus the central theme of Chasing the Scream can be boiled down to the maxim: addiction is the opposite of (human) connection. It’s hard to believe Peter read the book when he’s so dismissive and flippant about its central thesis.

  • @kiwikeith7633
    @kiwikeith7633 4 роки тому +1

    About addiction: The discussion here makes sense with me. I pinch myself that in 1978 I took my latest cigarette. Until then I had tried many times to quit and with every resumption my whole self esteem was crushed more and more. I brought my smokes by the carton and had 60 fags each day. But I saw an advert one day and ended up in a program put on by the local Seventh day Adventists - The Five Day plan. There was only one suggestion we seek "Divine Aid" and it did nothing for me. They offered several ideas as to how to avoid smoking triggers, and I had another couple of quitting attempts. But ultimately, one thing they said stuck with me. "You can want to give up - Think it would be good to give up - You'd save money if you give up - etc etc -:- BIT you never will give up until you make an ADULT DECISION TO GIVE UP - then you have given up!" Once every decade or so I still get cravings - but they soon pass if I distract myself. So, Are we adult enough to rule ourselves?

  • @cynthiao.543
    @cynthiao.543 2 роки тому +1

    Not easy for a young interviewer to take on a man with so much gravitas...admirable courage...Stunning...as always, from Peter....all these things are happening in my country now, America 2022. ....I’m 5 yrs older than Peter but my road has been similar...was an agnostic progressive my whole life until 2015...changed political views, returned to Christianity, lost almost all my friends and have been shocked at their open hostility, especially about everyone needing to jab. . But I am comfortable to stand in the same space he is in, a Christian in a dying culture that has turned against God.

  • @dereklondon9404
    @dereklondon9404 4 роки тому +2

    Awesome interview. Peter is always great fun! I’d love to chat with him some day.

  • @MrBillBronx
    @MrBillBronx 4 роки тому +2

    Peter Hitchens is my favorite pessimist. He is a gloom prophet, entertaining to anyone who loves unconventional thinking.

  • @Johny-Walker
    @Johny-Walker 4 роки тому +3

    Peter hitchens and happiness in one sentence feels and sounds wrong

  • @edwardcatt2399
    @edwardcatt2399 4 роки тому +2

    Seems like the (false) idea that a frog left in slowly heating water will boil to death; metaphorically it's true in that the U.K. is toast and you might not know that until you left to have any basis of comparison.
    I'm still hopeful, if not optimistic, that a conservative resurgence could occur, with or without notable strife. Peter seems resolute it's "over" but even after some kind of extended period of civil unrest, could things get back on the rails?

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому +1

      Well, if the conversation has taught us anything it’s that if you adopt a pessimistic outlook you won’t be disappointed; which will also come in handy when you get the bar tab.

  • @Jubilo1
    @Jubilo1 4 роки тому +3

    We lead by example, standards should never be relaxed old bean !

  • @deborahrobertson8606
    @deborahrobertson8606 4 роки тому +2

    Thank you! I always enjoy listening to Mr Hitchens. Be mindful of too much reaction laughter, which can be distracting. (But to be fair, I'd find PH pretty intimidating!) What an amazing pair of brothers. Thanks for an enjoyable interview in a beautiful setting.

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому +1

      Thanks Deborah, glad you enjoyed it. I can account for the laugher and it’s very contextual but appreciate your insight.

  • @elizabethdjokovic2691
    @elizabethdjokovic2691 4 роки тому +1

    "We are now ruled by idiots". How true!

  • @cocoruse
    @cocoruse 4 роки тому +2

    Whenever I think of “old man yells at cloud,” I picture Peter Hitchens or Grampa Simpson. I also love the title of this video, “Peter Hitchens - The Key to Happiness.” 😂😂😂. Having said that, I love me some Peter Hitchens. Peter and Christopher invented the “Hitchslap.”

  • @HTtwentyten
    @HTtwentyten 4 роки тому +1

    He makes a solid point about drugs. You do not allow mind-altering substances into free-for-all public domain. I've accidentally overdosed on edible weed, having absolutely no idea that I'd consumed more than my body and brain could handle. It's been years and my mind just isn't the same anymore.. But having been through it I can attest that I am LUCKY. I can still string a sentence. It fills me with chilling dread knowing that it is a pure statistical inevitability that thousands of people will make the same mistake and scramble their minds up far worse than I have. People, you only have one damn brain, and one life with which you'll depend on it to lead you. You do NOT want to risk screwing with your consciousness, because the effects can be forever.

  • @Mark_Dyer1
    @Mark_Dyer1 4 роки тому +1

    How right Peter is about Education. I was sufficiently fortunate to have been born into a Working Class RAF household; but to have passed my 11+ Exam, which (unlike my three brothers) resulted in my gaining a Grammar School/University education in the 1960s and 70s. Last night I watched BBC's 'Pointless', where two teams of 'students' were dispatched in the first and second rounds. One of the questions concerned the EU. "Name any EU Country without a U or a K in their name". Oh the irony! Twice, these students names Countries which are not in the EU: and this is the generation which is supposed to be hostile to us leaving the EU, when they do not know its component Countries? In a subsequent question, one 'Media Studies' student even used the excuse "I wasn't born then", having failed to answer correctly: and that immediately after someone else had answered a question with "Queen Elizabeth 1". How old was the person answering? As to THALIDOMIDE, this does have one beneficial use in the treatment f cancer, owing to its recognised anti-angiogenic property. It prevents the development of new blood-vessels......which is why there were all those awful events in newborn babies in the 1960s. Greedy Big Pharma rushing ahead of proper research!

  • @tdevry
    @tdevry 4 роки тому +2

    Realism is pessimism.....fantastic and so logically true.

  • @goodyeoman4534
    @goodyeoman4534 4 роки тому +2

    Thanks for this. Good little interview. I just ordered Phoney Victory. The pics of Edinburgh make me want to visit again. Great city.

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому +1

      Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. You should visit; Edinburgh would be thrilled to have you 😊👍🏼

  • @honeybadger2732
    @honeybadger2732 4 роки тому +13

    "Whistling Pete" lol.. A great man nevertheless..

  • @aor3220
    @aor3220 2 роки тому

    Is cannabis really that dangerous? It makes me wonder why so many people think it's harmless

  • @davidhoban3825
    @davidhoban3825 4 роки тому +1

    Haven't listened yet but I will... The headline made me laugh mind.. The key to happiness with Peter Hitchens... The man is perpetually miserable, a self proclaimed pessimist! Who up next, Victor Meldrew?

    • @INSPIREDINBURGH
      @INSPIREDINBURGH  4 роки тому +2

      I hope you enjoy it, David. Just don’t expect the usual combative, interrogative mainstream media ‘journalist’ interview. The title should make sense after around 25 minutes 😊

  • @roberttreborable
    @roberttreborable 4 роки тому +1

    I wonder how long it will be before, Owen Jones comes to these same conclusions....

  • @lizzyjane778
    @lizzyjane778 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you for your cool show!
    I’ll look for more.
    I wish I could say that people could leave British education, as Peter would advise, to find it better here in British Columbia, Canada. But
    education here from kindergarten to university is going down down down!

  • @ladyrotha5420
    @ladyrotha5420 4 роки тому +2

    Fascinating, Thought Provoking and Moving.

  • @juliecain6397
    @juliecain6397 4 роки тому

    He mutters so badly, it is nearly impossible to understand him. Don't know him...don't know why I should care who he is...or what he thinks. Logic requires I move on and not waste any more time. England isn't England any more...the citizens should leave...GOT IT.

    • @kevindevlin7025
      @kevindevlin7025 2 роки тому

      I think he was talking about the rest of the U.K. including Scotland. Hitchens believes in the Union and dislikes the SNP just as much as the other political parties.

  • @anthonydear4708
    @anthonydear4708 4 роки тому +1

    I recently discovered his brother Christopher. They are both very similar, in so far as there is a guardness in their emotions.This might come across as arrogance but like his brother they have a high intellect that can quite easily destroy any challenge. I think the loss of his mother and boarding school has had a profound effect on both himself and his brother. Very genuine and sincere guy.

  • @TheEternalOuroboros
    @TheEternalOuroboros 4 роки тому +1

    You're a great interviewer, i think your comedic reaction is done well actually. Thanks for interviewing Peter.

  • @markus4698
    @markus4698 4 роки тому +1

    Leaving aside that I vehemently disagree with probably most of the opinions Peter holds, I think he, much like his brother, has a charisma that can't help but captivate. In another sense it could be considered a negative thing, as it's allowed them both to be wrong on certain issues yet likable enough for us to forget that.

  • @kimrunic5874
    @kimrunic5874 7 місяців тому

    Looks down his nose at people. It’s a horrible nose to look down let’s be honest