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We do not rely solely upon science and reason, because these are necessary rather than sufficient factors, but we distrust anything that contradicts science or outrages reason. We may differ on many things, but what we respect is free inquiry, open mindedness, and the pursuit of ideas for their own sake.
It was one 1 year ago today that Hitchens passed. He left huge shoes to fill and maybe no one will ever do a sufficient job. Hitchens gave me such passion and since he has passed it has been hard to feel that same passion. I raise a glass to you Christopher, you are sadly missed.
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..This fighting not just about religion, but between the religious, this desire to have the freedom not just of religion but from religion is enshrined in the founding documents of this country in a way that should make you very proud. And it should therefor put you very much on your guard that there are people who don’t seem content with it, who seem always to wish to impose their own religious belief on this. To say if only we could ban alcohol as in the 20’s we’d have a more pure and perfect union, or if only we could forbid the teaching of evolution, or get equal time for pseudo science, like the alchemy class that follow the chemistry period in presumably these school or the astrology class that comes after the astronomy studies…then everything would be fine. Resist this with every fiber in your being.
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Beware the irrational, however seductive. Shun the ‘transcendent’ and all who invite you to subordinate or annihilate yourself. Distrust compassion; prefer dignity for yourself and others. Don’t be afraid to be thought arrogant or selfish. Picture all experts as if they were mammals. Never be a spectator of unfairness or stupidity. Seek out argument and disputation for their own sake; the grave will supply plenty of time for silence. Suspect your own motives, and all excuses. Do not live for others any more than you would expect others to live for you.
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Religion ends and philosophy begins, just as alchemy ends and chemistry begins and astrology ends, and astronomy begins.
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Brief comment on Christopher Hitchens…
I just need to take a brief moment to talk about Christopher Hitchens. In the coming weeks I’m sure I will be talking about him often. His death is really hitting me hard. I’ve been able to piece together in my mind why but it doesn’t make it any better. Despite the fact that is fairly personal I feel the need to share it with my blog because I don’t know how else to let these emotions out.
I never had the chance to meet Christopher Hitchens face to face but I feel as if he has taught me more than nearly anyone in my life. He’s opened me up to new information and ideas and theories I had never heard of or considered. He encouraged me to learn, he made me want to learn, he made me want to think. He opened my eyes to so many things, it’s impossible to express how strong of an impact he had on me. Christopher Hitchens became more than just a man I admired, more than a man that I looked up to, he became almost like a father figure.
I honestly wish that I could be as well spoken and intelligent as Christopher Hitchens. Indeed I have styled many of the things I’ve written similar to his writting style, even though I couldn’t currently hope to match his vocabulary. He sincerely loved his family. He sincerely loved humanity and the world. He wanted better for the world. That view may not of always been perfectly clear because of his silver tongue and razor whit. Many people simply had to dismiss him when they refused, or where unable, to really understand him. As goofy as it sounds I really feel as if I understood Christopher and I really feel as if he would of understood me. He has inspired me to become a more responsible and more active person.
I will never have the opportunity to tell Christopher how much he really meant to me. Perhaps I’m only realizing the full extent of my appreciation for him now. It is certain that I will never forget him and the amazing impact that he had on my life. I only hope it will encourage me even more to do anything I can to make up for the loss the world experienced when they lost Christopher Hitchens.
PS, it is always Christopher, never Chris. Paraphrasing a quote from him “I promised my mother, no circumcision of my name.”
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To Hitch - truly one of the greatest minds of our time. This tribute nearly made me tear up a bit.
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