"Hitchens is known for his love of cigarettes and alcohol — and his prodigious literary output." as per a profile in June 2006 by NPR.
I just watched the 52 minute interview* Christoper Hitchens did with Charlie Rose last Friday, August 13th, 2010.
The publishing of his memoirs and the subsequent book tour for Hitch 22, coincides with the news of his illness: esophageal cancer.
I've long admired his writing and mind-blowing verbal dexterity. But I didn't know that much about him, except that he identifies himself as an exponent of the "new atheism" movement and is a believer in the philosophical values of the "Enlightenment", who's proponents included Voltaire, Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Immanuel Kant, John Locke and David Hume, to name just a few.
"At its core was a critical questioning of traditional institutions, customs, and morals, and a strong belief in rationality and science"I like that summary and can identify with it. And I like Hitchens. Sure, he's a bit pompous and arrogant. Honestly though, I'd probably be too if I'd done the things he has done. I haven't read any of his books yet, only a few articles that were published in Vanity Fair, but I definitely will.
Some of the books he wrote:
God Is Not Great (Hitchens says: Religion is "the main source of hatred in the world")
The Portable Atheist: Essential Readings for the Non-Believer
Thomas Jefferson: Author of America
Why Orwell Matters (in my humble opinion, Orwell is one of the greatest writers around, so a must-read)
I found the interview fascinating and I can only aspire to achieve a fraction of what he has achieved and with the conviction and passion that he has lived his life. He himself says in this interview: "It's wrong to have role models" I don't see him as a role model. I just see him as an inspiration. And for any writer and critical thinker, he has to be.
Oh, and he's not dead yet. Because he is fierce. And he says, on his reasons for moving to the United States: America has scope.
I definitely agree with that and know exactly what he means. Rock on Mr. Hitchens.
* Link to interview:
http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/11168