Christopher Hitchens

1949 - 2011

Christopher Hitchens (1949–2011) was a British-American author, journalist, and critic, known for his sharp wit and outspoken atheism. He was a prolific writer who covered a wide range of topics from politics to literature, and is perhaps best remembered for his contrarian views and fearless approach to controversial subjects.

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.

Letters to a Young Contrarian, p. 18, 2001

I don't think it's possible to have a sense of tragedy without having a sense of humor.

Mortality, p. 152, 2012

The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.

Letters to a Young Contrarian, p.3, 2009