Christopher Hitchens, English-American essayist, literary critic, and journalist (d. 2011)

Christopher Eric Hitchens, born on April 13, 1949, and passing away on December 15, 2011, was a towering intellectual figure of his time, celebrated for his sharp wit, formidable intellect, and provocative viewpoints. A British-American author, journalist, orator, and columnist, Hitchens seamlessly navigated various cultural and political landscapes, leaving an indelible mark through his extensive writings and impassioned public appearances. His career spanned decades, during which he penned, co-wrote, edited, or co-edited more than 30 books, including a significant collection of five essay volumes that delved deeply into culture, politics, and literature.

The Evolving Political Landscape

Hitchens's political identity was complex and evolved significantly throughout his life. Initially, he aligned himself with democratic socialism, a stance rooted in his early experiences and convictions. He was an active member of several socialist organizations, notably the International Socialists, reflecting his commitment to a more equitable society. Over time, however, his self-description shifted. While he eventually moved away from identifying as a "socialist," he steadfastly continued to embrace Marxism, particularly supporting Karl Marx's materialist conception of history. This philosophical framework posits that the economic organization of a society fundamentally shapes its social, political, and intellectual structures, providing a lens through which Hitchens analyzed historical and contemporary events.

His nuanced political perspective was perhaps most evident in his views on American foreign policy, a subject on which he held famously strong and often controversial opinions. In his earlier career, he was a staunch critic of various aspects of U.S. foreign intervention, particularly condemning American involvement in what he considered war crimes in regions such as Vietnam, Chile, and East Timor. This critical stance aligned with many on the left. Yet, in a notable turn that surprised many of his former allies, Hitchens became a vocal supporter of the United States in subsequent military actions, including the Kosovo War, the Afghanistan War, and most prominently, the Iraq War. This shift, often characterized by observers as a move from the "New Left" to a form of interventionist liberalism, was driven by his growing conviction that certain totalitarian or authoritarian regimes posed a grave threat that necessitated military intervention, often framed through the lens of defending secular values and human rights against perceived threats from radical Islamism or dictatorships.

A Stalwart of Secularism and Reason

Beyond politics, Christopher Hitchens was perhaps most renowned for his fervent anti-theism. He openly declared himself an anti-theist, a position distinct from mere atheism in its active opposition to religious belief. Hitchens viewed all religions as not only false but inherently harmful and authoritarian, arguing that they stifle intellectual inquiry, promote irrationality, and often lead to conflict and oppression. He passionately advocated for free expression and scientific discovery, asserting their inherent superiority over religious dogma as the foundational ethical code for human civilization. A staunch proponent of Enlightenment values, he also tirelessly championed the strict separation of church and state, believing it essential for a truly free and rational society. His most famous work on this subject, "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything," encapsulates his arguments against faith with characteristic intellectual rigor and polemical force.

Hitchens's Razor: A Legacy of Skepticism

Among his lasting contributions to intellectual discourse is the concise and powerful dictum: "What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence." This principle has become widely known as Hitchens's Razor. It serves as a fundamental tenet of skepticism and critical thinking, emphasizing that the burden of proof lies with the assertor, and claims lacking empirical support do not warrant serious consideration.

Final Years and Enduring Influence

Christopher Hitchens's final years were marked by a public and courageous battle with esophageal cancer, a disease exacerbated by his lifelong habits as a heavy smoker and drinker since his teenage years. Diagnosed in 2010, he continued to write and speak about his illness with unflinching honesty and intellectual curiosity, documenting his experiences in essays that were later posthumously collected in "Mortality." He passed away on December 15, 2011, but his immense body of work, his incisive commentary, and his unwavering commitment to free inquiry continue to inspire and provoke debate. Hitchens remains a significant voice for secularism, critical thought, and robust public discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was Christopher Hitchens's nationality?
Christopher Hitchens held dual nationality, being both British-born and a naturalized American citizen.
What are some of Christopher Hitchens's most famous books?
Among his most renowned works are "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything," "The Missionary Position: Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice," "Thomas Jefferson: Author of America," and his memoir "Hitch-22: A Memoir."
Why was Hitchens's political stance considered controversial?
Hitchens's political journey was controversial because he shifted from being a prominent figure on the anti-establishment left, criticizing U.S. foreign policy, to becoming a vocal supporter of interventions like the Iraq War. This transformation alienated many of his former allies but was consistent with his anti-totalitarian stance.
What is Hitchens's Razor?
Hitchens's Razor is the epistemological dictum: "What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence." It is a principle of skepticism stating that claims made without evidence can be rejected without the need for counter-evidence.