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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.
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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.”