Christopher Hitchens' Last Interview (uncut)
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 14 апр 2022
- Richard Dawkins & Christopher Hitchens: unabridged conversation recorded in October 2011.
Part of the interview is transcribed in Books Do Furnish a Life: www.amazon.co.uk/Books-Furnis...
The following day, Christopher accepted the Richard Dawkins Award: • Dawkins Award 2011 C...
If you are here and reading this - 10 years after Hitch died - you are my people. Whether we agree on all matters or not (indeed, I hope we do not), you are my people.
poggers one of us
I just discovered this now. Driving tomorrow and will listen in full. Miss him so much. Discovered him a decade ago and he still influences me hugely.
A beautiful sentiment. You seem like a wonderful person to disagree with. 🍻🥂
Cheers
Cheers
It's been 11 years since we lost Christopher Hitchens, and I can't help but think about how much we could use his sharp insights right now. In the midst of all this chaos, his absence feels even more pronounced.
Christopher Hitchens, you are truly missed.
Cheers.
Hitch LIVES!!!!! I just don't want to say where.
I agree
Sharp insight? He would probably be a massive Trump supporter today…I don’t need to hear from him anymore.
RIP FH Astral Realms 💀👻😵💫❤️🔥✊🏽😌🤝😎🤗🤯
@@keefriff99 That's like saying he would be a part of the Christian Right wing he was neither, it's nice that you have another Atheist as your avatar though.
It saddens me terribly to hear Christopher's voice in such a weakened state. I'll always remember him as a powerful voice.
maybe weakened in sound/ strength but not in intent . His voice was still so powerful.
@Get Zappéd 1974 I meant that he sounds very much like an ill man.
He used that powerful voice to promote the Iraq war. He was evil. Truly evil.
@@daysjours Please take your insane ravings elsewhere.
@@daysjoursHitchens argument for the Iraq war is the only moral case put forward for that war. To view him and his activism as evil reflects more on your moral code than his
He did not lose a battle to cancer, he went with the brilliance of his mind fully intact to illuminate that dark and most feared of places we all head to. Thank you for going first, and thank you for showing me how to live, and yes, how to die.
Beautifully said.
Well said and his book Mortality really gets to the heart of it as well, it was hard to read knowing the reason he wrote it and what soon followed 😢
And how to go to hell as well.
@@Jiraiya-di7iwprove it!!!!
@@BigMeat8008 the proof is already inside you. An innate instinct that tells you creation has to have a creator. An instinct that you fight and drown out with the dribble from so called geniuses like this poor soul who will soon see the seriousness of his grave error. The definition of a f●●l is someone who says there is no God.
But to believe in God would mean that hell really exists. That would mean that you're accountable to a Higher Being, A judge. that would mean your life is not yours, that would mean you would have to acknowledge that you're not a good person who practices evil on a daily basis.
Something this guy refused to accept. Because men like him don't believe in God because it is unreasonable, he doesn't believe because he just doesn't want to, it's undesirable. Which changes nothing in the end.
Can't believe I'm listening to new Hitchens stuff in 2022, thanks for this.
Yuuuuge
Makes you wonder if there are other audio clips out there yet to be released.
I feel privileged.
What a gift. Gives me goosebumps.
I'm now listening to audiobooks of his essays borrowed from the public library - outstanding as usual.
I was deeply moved to tears by the premature deaths of two public figures-Carl Sagan and Christopher Hitchens. I miss both of them.
Black people should look at religion in this mind set
We need the both of them so much now. They are greatly missed.
@@gabbyweiss4693 Indeed! Their talents for critical thinking and eloquent communication are definitely qualities we could use more of today. What specific issues do you think they'd be most vocal about if they were still with us?
😓😥😢😪😪
i wouldnt exactly call hitchens death premature lmao the dude was practically asking for it his entire life
There's something oddly poetic about his final interview being conducted by Dawkins.
Randomly selected, don't you mean?
What a guy. Changed so many lives and opened so many eyes.
Yes he taught me that religion is poison and by that I mean he taught me that alcohol and drugs are a poison 100 times more deadly than religion and not to spend your life attacking something which is non of your business and to instead look in the mirror and look at your own faults.
What he taught was religion.
@@Oliver9402You think he didn’t have self reflection? Every critic does to some extent.
@@HarryHafsak Not by any definition.
@@Oliver9402 I'm sure you wish that somehow Alcohol and Drugs invalidate his arguments however they do not, and cheap name calling of a dead man is beneath you
To hear Christopher's voice on this tape, weakened by his deadly cancer, and distanced from the always relaxed, elegant English intonation that we remember with such affection, is at first hard to relate to. But then we can pleasure ourselves again in the breadth and discipline of his knowledge and intellect, as he talks here to Richard Dawkins. It is so good to know that his brain, and his use of it, survived so strongly to the end . . . within just 2 months of this recording, he was dead. To our enormous loss.
What is strange is that, despite his incredible knowledge and intelligence, he ignored the well-known scientifically established fact that smoking massively increases the risk of cancer, and alcohol exacerbates that risk. Together, smoking and alcohol are a huge risk factor. He drank and smoked like a chimney.
@@mklives2 addiction does not discriminate
@@mklives2 I find it strange that you find that strange. I doubt he ignored it in the sense that he thought the science was bad. Consider all the things people know are bad for them, yet do anyway, even if we leave addiction out of the picture. For that matter, I'm sitting here feeling like I'm writing this out of my own free will, yet I fully understand how unlikely it is that any such thing exists. The brain has a number of bits and bobs that don't necessarily all agree with one another.
@@mklives2 I think that this is a reflection of Hitch's attitude to life in general. He used to say there there are always risks to be assessed, and each of have to make up our own minds about them. He consistently said that drink must be the servant, and not the master - this way your thinking gets freed up, discussion is more lively, and companions are more enjoyable.
@@mklives2 In one of his final interviews he was asked about burning the candle at both ends and the circumstances that resulted. In true Hitchens fashion he answered, "yes, but what a lovely light it gave". He was true to the last.
Two of the most brilliant minds ever. To hear Christopher so physically weak is heartbreaking to me. Still, he remained intellectually powerful - which is beyond inspiring.
To endure such a severely crippling condition and still remain as steady and focused as he was.. he's basically Sigismund from 40k minus the religious zealotry lol
Such a brilliant mind he lacked the common sense to realise God is our creator. Such a brilliant mind he reasoned that everything came from nothing & we are a cosmic accident 😂
@@Truth2023 Such an ignorant and pointless comment.
@@Truth2023 Yeah, he never managed to overcome that “forming beliefs based on evidence” thing.
Hitchens maybe . Dawkins just sounds smart because he is British.
The Hitch is a hero to every logical thinker and every skeptic. Miss him so much. Great to be able to hear his voice here now and again.
Now he knows how wrong he was in all his life. So sad
,^^^The peace and love of Jesus^^^
@@okechiobidike7071does he? I don't think he knows anything now, since he's dead.
@@bobbym6130 2 Corinthians 4 1
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age (Satan) has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
@@chrishantha2001Is God not omnipotent?
I'm an uneducated working class bloke who works long hours and my kids are thriving in education. I got interested and started listening to Hitch through my interest in physics. His intellect reaches far and wide which speaks volumes of his ability at being a brilliant communicator. So sad to hear him struggle but his mind remained sharp to the end which provides some comfort.
I am in the same boat. Bravo for your effort to bring a broader perspective to the next generation. Keep growing, who knows what we can accomplish together.
I have an 8th year education by way of ADHD and Chronic depression . I have learned more autodydactically , self taught , than I ever learned in school . I got my GED ( General Ed Diploma , which is practically worthless ) at age 20 . I have begun thinking of inquiring if I could re-enroll at age 53 to my nearest High School . I doubt it but imagine going to high school with what you know now !?!!
@@georgeelmerdenbrough6906 You should. If you feel that's right. Everyone will be so supportive. I'm about to embark in learning again . We are of the same age. Do it.
Exactly the same as you I always had knowledge for the truth and when I hear it I know it. James Baldwin was a great black activist and wrote some amazing books and some amazing debates about slavery and historical issues
@@georgeelmerdenbrough6906 why don’t you go and do what you want to do man I suffer depression and came from emotional and mental abuse and getting out of bed can be hard most days but I love knowledge so go get your dreams
Seeing this photo made me tear up....
Two of my heroes.
Two pillars of reason and sanity Who both resemble the strife of every one of us eh
A clown and a bully.
@@theohuioiesin6519 Because evolution is no real and paradise in heaven is true ?
@@theohuioiesin6519 Ah, Theo I reckon you are a but hurt theologian? or perhaps a christian apologist?
@@respublikas NO because Theos a bellend xx
Thank you for this, Professor Dawkins.
Yes thank you Professor ✊🏻
Indeed. Hitchens lives on, and I am grateful Professor for yet another encounter with his provocative thought. Thank you both.
If it wasn't for you i hadn't realized that this is actually the official channel of Richard Dawkins. Even the channel icon is just a generic "R".
This is kind of heartbreaking listening to my hero losing the battle. I miss him. I miss him dearly.
In all his other interviews, I never saw him give compassion to those who died or were dying.
@@thinker185 Neither he demanded or expected compassion for he was dying.
@@dhadad9885 unlike him, I pray he found some peace after death.
@@thinker185 Well, unfortunately we won’t ever know if your prayers were answered.
@@dhadad9885 That's where faith comes in.
This is a gem I haven't experienced before. I thought I'd heard every word from the great man. What a treat for us all
New videos come out every so often, have you seen his appearance with Gore Vidal that came out in video on RUclips some months ago?
This makes me terribly sad. We lost a truly great human.
and me
and me
we still have chomsky
lol he was a war criminal, Trotskyite and pseudo intellectual alcoholic preaching low-brow nihilism to the masses.
@@jamescarr4662 for now at least
I have a new massively increased respect for Dawkins. Wow, just wow. The level of sensitivity, tact and emotional intelligence to ask the questions that drew out Hitchens wisdom so it could be documented for education is just such an act of kindness.
Find that in North Carolina, usa. Oh, don't worry. You won't. Lol.
I started to cry in the first few seconds of hearing his voice, but as I continued, his words went and strengthened me from inside.
In 2023 this makes a refreshing change to hear an intelligent conversation. All conveyed very sensitively, RIP Christopher.
I'm here, having found this in July 2023. Cheers, Christopher, and Richard.
Hitch was the watershed moment for me. I remember discovering him, Dawkins et al online in the mid 2000s and going down the new atheism rabbit hole. I never have been happier making any journey since.
Hitch was a true one of a kind. That perfect mixture of insanely knowledgeable and well read but with the charm, charisma and sense of humour to make hang on every word. What a huge loss to journalism and debate in these last tumultuous ten years.
Hear, hear.
Would have been great to see him Hitchslap Jordan Peterson.
ruclips.net/video/uSwJuOPG4FI/видео.html
@@electrocyde Atheism is not at all comforting, alive OR dead. It simply is the way this Universe IS. But I do not invent child level fantasies just because I don't like it!
@@electrocyde how is atheism comforting while you're alive? It tells you that you're all alone and there isn't a loving god watching over us. And we have only one life that will definitely end and then we will be dead forever with no heaven or afterlife. It says that life isn't fair and there is no salvation. That doesn't comfort me as an atheist. But I'd rather face the truth than try to convince myself that a preacher from the middle east 2000 years ago was executed to save my invisible immortal soul that apparently exists inside me
I'm so glad Richard gave Christopher such a genuine, loving hug at the end of their great time together.
What I give to hear what Hitch had to say in 2023
Thank you Richard. I thought I had consumed every last piece of content in association to Christopher Hitchens, but here, and now, you gift us with this.
To the Hitch!
Hey James. This was recommended to me this morning and now I have to watch all of Hitchens debates again.
@@TheJudgeandtheJury Good to see you are watching this too! I was in utter joy when I first watched it - this is what prompted my conversation with Riley Morgan of DOUBT SOCIETY. That was a favourite discussion of mine.
Cheers!
This is a gift. Thank you very much for posting this, Professor Dawkins.
@I Yam What I Yam! If you think he’s mildly educated, you show your ignorance and stupidity for posting such a foolish thought.
Hail Sagan 🤣
@I Yam What I Yam! Which bar was it that you went into for this stupid comment? - by which you presumably judge yourself as being far superior. Please explain.
@@Pastafarianism85 Satan, maybe?
@@michaelpatterson5811 Hail Carl Sagan!
He died but what a life and legacy he left us. Super sharp and true to the end.
Everyone dies, but for almost everyone (99.99% of all humans ever) thats the end. Hitch will be around for generations yet. God certainly isnt great, but Hitch was. Hitch 1 - Gods 0 .
@@jamesmaybrick2001now he is sitting with Jesse 😊
Everyone has already or will eventually.
True to what. A bitter empty atheist is all he was.
@@aidanjoyce3248 something the typical christian would say.
The most influential human being I've come across in my life. I miss this man more than I miss some of my family members and I am not afraid to say it. I wish we still had him here with us.
The impact Hitch made on so many people is evident when so many of us can genuinely miss someone we have never met.
Beautiful words, my Friend. Thanks for sharing. Stay gold.
Hi everyone. I once in a while sit in my van at Heathrow and listen and listen again to RUclips clips of this great orator. His final months bring tears to my eyes but I’ve also learnt so much from him. Best wishes to all.
@@petelove9731 - Me too! It's good to know plp like you exist. Long live Hitchens ❤
@@bisonkambaine5628 Indeed my friend, take care.
Dear Prof Dawkins how gracious and respectful you respond and react to Christopher in your interaction; it stands as an example of the kind of compassionte human being you are in your own right. I am humbled to listen to both of you as inspiring teachers and Masters in your fields. You both make this world a better place.
I can't imagine how hard it must have been to interview Hitchens at this late stage of his cancer. It's very emotional to listen to.
Hitchens makes sure early on that both focus on issues, making Dawkins more comfortable.
Thank you very much for sharing this with the world, prof. Dawkins.
His mind is just as strong as a young intellect full of curiosity, logic, reason... Etc..... A beautiful and powerful mind z! He seems more gentle and comforting
But the body is weak and dreadful. It truly breaks my god dam heart..its s contradictions.....a man who still has a boy's curiosity and still mentally stront willed. If the body was the mind he be with us for another lifetime.
@@jimmydane34 ❤
When you love someone, as Dawkins loved Hitchens, it comes naturally, sitting and talking with them, seeing through their caner. You want every last moment with them that you can possibly have. I speak from extremely sad experience in this regard.
@@USS-SNAKE-ISLAND I hope you have some measure of comfort in your memories. I am sorry for your loss.❤
@@earthling8585 It's been a long time ago now, but it's an experience that changes you forever. Be well. 🙂
Just discovered this interview. A meeting of great minds.
Christopher left us too early.
That is not lost that comes at last.
Never heard him towards the end, his voice was almost unrecognisable to me initially. I was immediately won over as a young scamp in my 20’s by him, eloquent and charming, fiercely intelligent, passionate and humane.
A good soul who is missed.
C.H. is a supernova of stimulation. I still feel the 0void left by his passing. He arrested me with his Life of Brian debate and I rewatch and repeatedly find gems in all his presentations since. Such a loss. So lucky to have his thoughts enrich my being. Thanks Christopher .... Ray.
Thank you😢😭. Hitchens, Sagan and Dawkins are my Heroes.
I don't think any of them would wish to be hailed as heroes - and that's another reason why they're probably the best heroes a person could have :)
The enormous contributions these two men have brought to the world will never be forgotten. Thank you Richard and Christopher for awakening so many minds.
Very well said. 👍😊
Awakening so many minds to foolishness. The fool says there is no God. In the end , they will meet him. Its laughable.
@@okechiobidike7071
No.
You are the fool and you are laughable.
Go talk to a snake.
@@okechiobidike7071There's a reason they say the poor and stupid are perfect targets for the church and it seems like you are one of them.
Contribution? Are you kidding. Leading souls away from God? Now he knows the Truth, and that he was wrong, so sad but yet I'm happy he's with Jesus.
Incredible. Never condescending, a charming man full of ideas. I think Christopher loved talking to Richard, he's relaxed, confident, gentle, wise, funny, and as always he was still spot on. He enjoys talking about his lifelong work. A distraction from his physical state. Richard doesn't say too much, and I respect him enormously. He lets his friend just talk. It is beautiful to hear. Thank you to Richard. What a beautiful interview. It still astounds me to hear Christopher, and find something new to inject into my sponge brain! Cheers
I came upon Hitch only a few years before his death. Frightening intellect and a pleasure to listen to & watch is extensive work on RUclips.
@@1rdavies I knew of him, had seen a documentary about his mother and partner, whom had a suicide pact. Hitch went into the Italian apartment and saw his mother dead. He reacted by making sense of what happen with his words and philosophy. It was fascinating. I didn't realise he was ill. I admire him. I wish he could have stayed longer..cheers
Christopher Hitchens deserves further recognition, a brilliant mind
Vastly overrated .Glad he supported Bush though.
@@daviddeida in what way was he overrated? And ‘supported Bush’ went as far as calling out a Psychopath in the Middle East, it didn’t go any further than that.
@@markelliottdriver Hardly an original thinker.No foresight in where we find ourselves today.Christianity is the very least of our problems,when uni is promoting critical race theory,men being able to menstruate and identity politics run amok.
@@daviddeida He spoke of religion because that was what was pertinent at the time. He was a clear thinker regarding a range of issues and a great speaker and debater.
@@markelliottdriver Nah,religion was'nt pertinent,it was an easy target ,preaching to the converted,had zero effect in my life or the law.A weak debater to boot.The looney left were on the rise and he ignored it.
Years have passed. I still miss Christopher Hitchens.
And I still miss Carl Sagan. It never goes away. People like Hitch and Carl leave a mark in mind that will be with you for life. And I'm grateful for that.
@@99goat99 My, yes, Carl, too.
I grew up in the 60s'70s not far from Cornell, where he taught. I remember his books, Cosmos, even his being on Carson. "We are made of star stuff." I frequently think of that line.
@@walkingstick6655I miss him too, even if i never met or spoke to him haha. Atleast we can carry a tiny piece of his spark with us by using and remembering what we learned from him. And we can find solace in the fact that he doesnt have to grieve anymore, that is a tough task you and i will take on. Until we too inevitably pass and are free'd of our grief and sorrow.
Good luck in life, i hope you find hapiness and fulfilment
I just came across this video posted by Richard Dawkins. It was difficult seeing Christopher’s frail condition, hearing his weakened voice and knowing he would lose his battle with cancer again. His death is a deep loss for humanity. He opened my eyes to critical thinking, the lies of religion and politics. I find myself rereading his books, articles and watching his RUclips videos from time to time. My only regret is that I came across his works and discovering him after his death. I think of him as a mentor. Thank-you for posting this, Richard.
I wish I had the chance to tell him he was a god amongst men :)
@@andrewz4105 Somehow I think such a comment would go unrewarded.
@@andrewz4105 he wouldve destroyed you if youd make that statement 😂
The picture is very haunting, I just wish they had gone on longer than an hour
@Rob Lewis to be honest, this was a few months before he died so I very much doubt he had the energy or the desire to go on for longer than an hour
My wife battled cancer for 10 years.
Seeing this breaks my heart.
Thanks prof Dawkins . For resurrecting such a rare gem .
Hitch will always be alive to me.
Thanks for this. I've devoured everything Hitch ever wrote or had recorded. Did not expect to ever again hear something new.
Snap! This is the great side of the internet. It’s like discovering an old text or something.
This was much harder to listen to than I thought it would be. Hearing his voice like this, not only does it betray his body coming nearer to its final breath, I can hear a certain urgency in his enunciation in his recognition of this reality. He’s more rambling and expeditious in his speech, like he’s clinging on every second and word.
RIP Christopher, thanks for expressing so eloquently what I felt so deeply.
How 64 minutes went by just like that. "Now let's have dinner." The whole discussion is so anchored in reality, so refreshing and timeless. Effortlessly touching on religion with a great deal of wisdom. Once again, poetry of reality manifests itself naturally. Dare I say or type, amen to this interview.
Professor Dawkins- Thank you sincerely for sharing this audio interview. Hitch has saved my life in more ways than one. I really needed to hear his voice today, I miss him immensely
He was a warmongering, Trotsky apologist.
@@HoratioKJV "Warmongering" 😂😂😂 I think you're confusing Hitchens with Yahweh.
@@k7450 No, he supported the Iraq war.
@@HoratioKJV so? He didn't arrange the war
Is a warmonger someone who sits on the sidelines and claims to support someone else's war, of which he's not actually involved in
Or
Someone who starts and engages in wars?
We've never needed Hitch more than we need him now. So wish he was still with us.
hitch marked the end of an era
I know he would be annihilating Putin apologists on TV left right n center thats for sure :)
Someone to tell you a man cannot have periods,the left are insane with identity politics and pose more threat than any religion.
@@Johnsmith-fz2dm Among others. I expect he'd be lampooning the anti-CRT crusaders at full throttle, as well.
We are descending into a new dark age
We need such intellect now more than ever. Love is a strong word, but my I do love these two. What amazing minds. Truly miss Hitchens
Christopher Hitchens changed my life. He delivered me . I only wish I had discovered him while he was alive. I have so many things to thank him for. He means so much to me.
Ditto
Well said.
?
@@FM-dm8xj Why are you not able to accept that people get inspiration from different sources from where you do?
I feel the same way!
Thank you, from the bottom of my rotten old heart for this beautiful discussion between my two dearest and most beloved mentors. Just to hear Christopher's voice, here, moves me to tears. His humility whle channeling his rarefied intellect is deeply moving. The sensitivity of Professor Dawkins as he converses with his friend is just lovely. Thank you gentlemen, I can honestly tell you that your influences have transformed my life.
Despicable war monger with hands dripping in blood. Pick better heroes.
@@daysjours Give it time. War, conflict and blood of the dripping sort you ascribe to Christopher, seems to be a defining characteristic of the human experience and our pre-occupation with the ancient stories which continue to bind us. My conclusions from reading Christopher are that he spoke for a peace far more elevated and hopeful for humanity; a future based on common decency, founded in science and governed by evidence. If you can push past your preconceptions and truly listen to what he has to say, I think you might find there is more there. It's always possible, though, that he's just not for you and thats a beautiful thing too. Warm regards.
Well said, my sentiment exactly.
That it has been almost 10.5 years since he passed away... How time flies. Sad thing we lost such a great mind.
As his body failed him his mind never did. Beautiful man
A brilliant and scholarly statesman of the highest order. Charisma, charm and oozing with intellect.
Deeply missed and appreciated. Such a massive loss of a powerful voice to the world.
Ever since I began listening to Christopher Hitchens, sadly, since his passing, I have insatiably thirsted for more. Thank you for sharing this unique treasure.
Books/Audiobooks of published essays available from public library.
I miss this awesome man so bloody much and especially when right now he is needed the most 😢😢 this interview is just amazing imho xxx
Five seconds into hearing his voice, and it reminds me of his book "Mortality" which, heartbreakingly, he didn't finish writing.
I missed seeing him at a local bookshop on his last book tour by ten days owing to his illness. I will never forget that I missed a great time. Later, I found myself being treated for cancer at the hospital where he died. One of my joys as a book lover was to read his book on Thomas Jefferson while sitting in the Thomas Jefferson reading room at the Library of Congress.
I hope you are well now. 👍😊
Hope you are well now.
This is an incredible treasure. One final conversation with Christopher that we get to witness.
And with Professor Dawkins as his interlocutor. I can't believe we can listen to this for free.
I haven't finished Hitchens' self-narrated memoir "Hitch-22." I'm saving it for much later, because I don't want to feel the pain of reaching the end of his body of work.
Gone too soon.
Fortunately he has a near endless amount of essays and fortunately his speeches and interviews and debates have this strange quality in that they never get boring no matter how many times you listen
@@sendnoodles5437 So true! I can't count the number of nights I've fallen asleep listening to his narration of God is Not Great. His legendary wit and impeccable delivery are like a soothing balm compared to the vitriolic madness of life here in the Bible Belt.
@@BenThere_DoneThat It's ironic since he of all people despised the idolatry treatment, but he's definitely the closest thing I have to an idol - I keep many of his quotes in the forefront of my mind as I wade through the thickets of life, particularly his advice to stand up and confront instances of stupidity and unfairness, and to refuse the offer of refuge in the consensus. I wish he were still around, but in a way it's almost apt that he died so suddenly - it goes to show the randomness and absurdity of life that he often invoked. My parents moved to the Texas from overseas for my father's work - I've visited them a few times...it's an interesting place to holiday... I absolutely couldn't live there though. I consider myself a fairly tolerant and patient person, but the credulity and literal mindedness I've seen on display there pushed me to the limits. The street fireworks are cool though.
@@sendnoodles5437 I know exactly what you mean. "Letters to a young contrarian" is an incredible treatise on how freethinkers should aspire to conduct themselves in the face of all the ignorance and corruption. It renews my resolve every time I revisit it.
@@BenThere_DoneThat Yeah that reminds me I need to revisit that. Over the years I've drawn a few contradictions in his views, especially in relation to free speech and identity politics (to be fair his memoir was subtitled confessions and contradictions) however that doesn't prevent me from appreciating him - it just shows that he was constantly thinking and changing his mind, and that he was human like the rest of us.
I didn't even start paying attention to Hitch until after he passed. I still miss him like crazy. Thanks for this Professor Dawkins.
What do you miss about the warmongering, Trotsky apologist?
@@HoratioKJV who do you admire?
Read his work-he covered dozens and dozens of topics over many decades. He wasn’t always 100% correct but nobody is. He backed up his ideas quite throughly and made the smartest person stop and think.
@@HoratioKJV Envious much? You can only wish to comprehend a fraction of knowledge which Hitchens possessed.
@@FlyingSpaghettiMonster2000 I prefer his wiser brother Peter Hitchens. You know, the one who didn't smoke and drink himself to death early? The one who opposed the disastrous Iraq war.
That bit at the end, where he gets excited about having dinner with Dawkins and then mentions he doesn't know how it will go for him because he has to use a tube...that's heartbreaking. Wonderful interview, thank you so much for posting it.
What a pair of legends.
I love them both - RIP Hitch.
Phil.
His frank , sincere, thoughtful , unbiased , concise, precise interpretations have an eternal beauty .... as we all chase the ultimate beauty that ultimate truth has to be
What a joy it was to hear Hitch again; saying some things I'd never heard him say. It's so sad to hear how weak his voice was, but his mind was so obviously still there. I don't think he would have wished for anything more- I think, for Hitch, the loss of his mind was a fear far greater than the fear of death.
Richard, thank you so much for sharing this- I just happened to sign on to Twitter today- so lucky. I do wish you'd have continued speaking and recording until Hitch was ready to stop. Knowing this could very well be the last chance to hear Hitch string words together on tape, I don't think I would have been able to stop until he made the request.
I didn't discover Hitch until just after his death but I am so fortunate that he made so many recordings (nowhere near enough though).
I almost teared up a couple of times, but when you said, "Have you had enough?" and he instantly & adamantly proclaimed, "NO! For heavens sake! We haven't started!", that one almost got me. He did truly love a great conversation.
It's strange to me how someone I've never met could have such a monumental impact on my life. The world truly did suffer a loss when he died and he will be missed for generations.
At first, hearing hitch’s voice shaky and ill broke my heart. But it makes me very happy to know his mind was so sharp till the end.
You are truly missed, Christopher…
Never miss him. 😂
He tend to nasty to people. Only after battling cancer, he seem nicer to people.
Miss this man more than I can put into words
"Ventriloquize the divine..." What a beautifully wrought phrase. I love Hitchens most of all for his capacity to twist so many wonderful phrases that help people think about things in new ways. Truly, he was on Shakespeare's level. I wish more people could appreciate the depth of his wit and humor. I'm glad for all of you who have worked hard enough to be able to.
I too am impressed when arrogance diminishes others!!!
I didn’t know that about the SS either. Fascinating. Hitch continues to educate even from beyond the grave. A brilliant man.
What does he say about them?
@@george5464 well one thing he said was that the SS had belt buckles engraved with “Gott mit uns”….God with us! Hitler believed he was doing God’s work exterminating the Jews, so much for the argument that he was an atheist!
@@george5464 You can follow any gods, but if you're an atheist, you will be persecuted. Therefore, swear your undying loytalty to the Fuhrer, in the name of the almighty Lord.
Breaking my heart to hear his voice. 💔 I often think to myself "what would the Hitch say?" when I see daily doses of the insanity of our societal decay, state of our politics, and the direction of the Overton Window shift. We need the Hitch now, more than ever.
Dawkins sensitively aware that Hitchens still had so much to say with such little time. Hitchens rushing his words as he knew he was running out of time. Hitchens premature passing was a tragedy for this world.
The beauty is that while Hitchens’ matter has changed states he hasn’t really left us. He will always be with us, whether it be through his books, articles, essays, lectures or debates they will always be with us still. The thing that gives me hope and a beam of light is that somewhere even as I type Hitch 2.0 is being educated somewhere, be it a lad or a lass rest assured that there is someone somewhere preparing to stand on Hitch’s shoulders. I take solace knowing that and that I think Hitch almost expected it to happen.
You can feel the weakness of his body in his voice. The voice that must had put fear in the heart of priests and imams and religious charlatans.
Almost like a flame that is about to go off.
Hitchens will always be remembered as the person who brought light in life of so many lost souls , the souls which were under dark , due to religion for so so long. His words kind of broke the spell and awaken so many of us I think.
Me personally came to know about him when I was 30 yrs old ( 32 now ). Blindly following religious dogma. His words just freed me.
Thank you sir.
Fear? That's funny. Non denies the Quran, but only a fool. Book of Allah is superior, without any single mistake.
At 30 you are fortunate
At 50 not so much
@@arar1861 so even the many death penalties imposed by your god of peace?
The fact that Allah condones hate and distrust but pretends to be a peaceful god isn't a mistake?
Tell us about the various scenarios where your god of peace condones violence and death
@@arar1861 hush, islamist theocrat
And now he stands before the creator speechless...
Heartbreaking at the end when Hitch says '"I'm not sure how I am going to have dinner...I'll have to have a tube." in such a matter of fact way
What a joy it is to listen to Christopher again, very interesting what ever the subject, a deep understanding of the English language, this is greatness right here.
Three cheers to Richard Dawkins, many thanks to you Sir
I rewatch this so much and I will listen to this every year of my life,The amount of knowledge these two have is insane and both are worthy of high praise.
I love that a random acquaintance of Hitchens' got to be immortalized in his last interview because he passed by at the right moment and said 'hello.' It was beautifully polite and brief, and because of it his voice will live as long as one of the greatest orators ever to walk the Earth.
The world lost a great champion for humanity: fearless iconoclast, intellectual titan, unparalleled orator and an inimitable journalist, essayist and author.
I know he of all people disliked the idolatry treatment but he will always remain a personal hero, and I do often find myself wondering 'what would Hitch have to say about this?'
Thanks for sharing this prof Dawkins.
You do know that he was a major cheerleader of an illegal invasion of Iraq. A war that makes Ukraine look like a day at the beach. He loved the idea of slaughtering innocents. He was evil and nasty and arrogant. A piece of human garbage.
Wow, this is one of the most fascinating hours I've ever spent listening to two intellectual giants. If only the world was run (or at least advised) by people like Hitchens and Dawkins, we'd be in a far better place. Unfortunately, we aren't.
Yeah the world is still largely run by moronic religious psychopaths MG.
What a shame.
Phil.
Not necessarily - Hitchens was very much a supporter of the invasion of Iraq, for example. He was also a Marxist, praised Che Guevara, Lenin, and the Bolshevik revolution. Screw that. And I say it as someone whose ancestral families, both the noble and wealthy ones and the poor peasant ones, were absolutely devastated by the said revolution. I do like Hitchens in many ways, and agree with him on a number of topics, but I certainly wouldn't want him to run the world. And I find particularly irksome when rich people - who are rich because of capitalism - push the Marxist/socialist/Bolshevik/communists claptrap on the masses.
@@marcustulliuscicero2676 I didn't say Hitchens should be a dictator. Along with Dawkins and others I could name, who might hypothetically rule by consensus, the collective intelligence of such a group of erudite people would act to temper the more extreme ideas any one of them might have. Such an egalitarian leadership would be far more preferable to the cast of charlatans who currently run the show.
I am very lucky. I got to meet Christopher twice in Berkeley. The first time was during the intermission of a program in which Gore Vidal and Hitchens were in conversation at the Berkeley Repertory Theater. He was standing by himself having a smoke. I spent about five minutes with him. I told him how much I admired his take-down of Teresa (the Terrible). The second time was during a panel discussion held on the occasion of the launch of the English translation of the book, "The Philosopher and the Monk."
Hitch was arguably the best polemicist in the second half of the last century. A brilliant raconteur with a wicked sense of humor and razor sharp wit, his memory was amazing. He was a public intellectual for sure. (Hayek defined intellectuals as "second-hand dealers of ideas.") Unlike Dawkins who is a genuine scientist and who advanced human knowledge in the domain of biology, Hitchens can't be credited with any original ideas.
Thank you, Hitch. You were incomparable.
Well said.
What a lovely exchange between 2 friends. So missed.
Thank you for Sharing this Mr. Dawkins.
I have listened and watched nearly everything published on RUclips about Mr. Hitchens, and read most of his books. This touches me as much as his last public debate, as you can hear how unwell he is. And hear your concern for the well being of a dear friend, whom you know is soon to be no more.
This is truly a heartfelt moment between you two.
My first encounter with Mr. Hitchens was in 95, at the age of 19, when i relieved my mothers night stand from a book called the "missionary position" - A book she as a book critic, just had finished reading.... Or so i determined, due to it being at the bottom of a pile containing several other books.
Never have i been equally disappointed and thrilled by reading a book.
Again thank you for sharing this precious and private interview.
Very funny but quite understandable given where you would have been at, at 19 . You were lucky to find him so early in a proper book so you were really enlightened
@@louisewilliams7492 I was lucky never having religious parents in the first place - or at least never force one upon me -
Otherwise my mother would probably never have agreed to critique the book.
I have never known the fear of religion in life, in that regard i am truly blessed.
Pun intended!
This is a vital historical record. I greatly respect Richard Dawkins for the foresight of recording this conversation and for Christopher Hitchens for finding the physical and mental strength to engage in this conversation. My children will be fully informed of the work of both of these humans to influence their thinking throughout their lifetime. I hope that my children will also pass this to their own children and so the process of education and awareness continues. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for these two exceptional human beings.
As a devout Christian, I truly respected the intellect of Christopher Hitchens. I own every published book and writings that I can find. I admired the sheer power of his thinking, his process, and his writing style. His command of language and passion for truth continue to be models for the well-read thinker. The genius of his ability to create historical context better than many so called, ‘great’ thinkers, stands above many. Thank you for making this available.
If you are a devout Christian even after reading everything Hitchens wrote, then you are either very stubborn or didn't understand one word that you read. Otherwise, at the very least, you should stop being "devout".
@@JGM0JGM who are you to tell them to stop claiming their devotion
@@808Castro That isn't quite what I said. And who are you to tell what I can do or not?
@@JGM0JGM answer the question lad
@@JGM0JGM you can’t tell people what to do yourself m8 acting like you are a king to tell people to stop being religious. My goodness you online atheists that suck up to Dawkins and Hitchens are soo condescending.
Like many here, I discovered Christopher Hitchens after his death. Irrespective of one's religious beliefs or politics, one cannot help but admire Christopher's stunning intellect and supremacy in debate. Had he lived, I would have felt compelled to meet him- like no other.
I too would have made it my life's mission to meet him if I had discovered him while he was alive.
Sounds like worship
@@OlafChang9359 there's plenty of that in the comments!
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to hear this great man sharing his last thoughts and feelings with us.
This man of men who has so influenced me changing my life and I can't thank him. This saddens me.
I admit this moment that my father who comes to mind, can be thanked but hasn't. He will be momentarily.
Thank you Christopher Hitchens.
Thanks also Dad
He threw open a door in my mind that I had been hoping for much of my life. It was not until my 50's I really had the opportunity to watch all the debates that led me to others too, not alone after all. I was raised a Catholic. It never fully took. I credit him with asking questions that allowed me to be completely free of its' attempts at intellectual castration. Thank you, Christopher Hitchens!
A brilliant mind left us too soon.
What a brilliant conversation. Neither is trying to one up over the other one. Absolute respect for one another. It's what is missing from the world x
I don't get mushy over death, its a part of life, but with Hitchen's its different. I think of him and miss him often. A towering intellect - we are all the poorer without him.
Ahhh i wish this conversation never had to end 😢
I would have LOVED to see what Hitch has had to say in the past 10 years.
No! Don’t have dinner! Keep the conversation going. I’m still hungry.
Thank you so much for sharing this with the world.
We lost a treasure with Hitch and am grateful we still have Dawkins. This is a meaningful discussion of two minds which I'm just barely smart enough to appreciate.
I wish he was alive just to hear his philippics against Trump inanity / even Tim Russet. Bloom , Vidal , Hitchens all giants gone
It breaks my heart to listen to this
The caring nature and voice of Richard Dawkins in this clip is quite heart-warming.
Christopher Hitchens intellect and argument gave me reassurance that having been a Catholic for 30 years i had the right to decry my indoctrination into Christianity and think with a free mind not loaded by guilt.
Thank you Hitch.
Well, you have a free will and could have done that at any time. I don’t think you needed Hitchens to be the catalyst for that…no?
Speaking as a Catholic, I think that is more common than you think as one practices his or her Christian faith..I know I did in my own way and I’m absent of having the perfect faith. A faith in times of trouble where I always needed to “feel good“ or “be without any struggles“ always the questions like
Do I believe or not? Why do I believe what I do? God are you really there? If you are there are you listening?
But I found for myself that I am in good company with many of my brothers and sisters who came before me in the faith. I’m not an anomaly on my journey my process is normal for me..although I may not like it, it is the way one must accept willingly if they desire to encounter Christ more deeply. Christ suffered in one of the most inhumane ways. So to say that he doesn’t understand physical suffering, mental anguish is far from the truth… That he doesn’t understand what we’re going through, He understands us perfectly.
One of the great saints St. John of the Cross refer to this spiritual anguishing in his writings as “ the dark night of the soul.” We all have to bear our cross to some degree, doesn’t mean we have to like it, but if we embrace it and surrender to it there is joy. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit…joy runs deeper than mere happiness. A lot of things can make me happy I can eat chocolate ice cream and that makes me happy and that can be a fleeting moment. And I will always seek chocolate ice cream to make me happy for that moment ( Of course that’s not bad I just have to watch the calories) But joy is much deeper than that because it’s not contingent upon this material thing to make me happy. Only God can bring you true joy because in joy good times or bad we know that God is there with us. joy, peace, love, humility etc..are right next to each other in the scripture… They are intertwined and truly one can’t exist without the other. No true joy, unless there’s humility before God and definitely no peace. The big take away from all of this is as we struggle in this life’s journey… God still loves us and encourages us to keep trying even after many fails.
Lee I truly mean this, take care of yourself continue to love those around you and let them know. God bless you. 🙏🏽
@@dand2760 Sorry, I don’t enjoy worshiping a god that takes delight in inflicting genocidal suffering and plagues on his creation. It’s lucky for you theists that he isn’t real, for if he did ever appear on earth, he’d be arrested, tried and shot for his crimes against humanity.
@@dand2760 shut up
@@dand2760 god aint do shit he couldnt help me when i begged him to help me out multiple time in 2 years of abuse hes the worst
@@dand2760 Your words display the condescending belief you can tell me how and when i thought about how stupid the catholic and christian faith is. I had been moving away in steps but Hitchens produced rational arguments that turned those steps into strides.
Please save your blessings for those who believe, i do not and so find them patronising and greater evidence of the brainless claptrap i left behind.
And BTW Dan, i do show those around me i love them, every day, i just don't need a mythical god to do that.
To me this is a historical document of utmost importance, one that I return to when I feel the need to again be inspired and illuminated by these two great men
Even at this advanced stage of disease, he was as clear of mind as ever. What a unit of a man and a continuing inspiration to me and millions of others.
Atheists aren't inspiring
@@aidanjoyce3248that's some pretty dumb shit to say.
Hitch was one of a kind. He was an utterly singular man, who helped open the eyes of so many people in the world. He is sorely missed.
Thank you so much for posting this. Christopher was truly unique. A great mind, excellent debater, style, intelligent. I could go on.... superb. He is missed.🥂❤️
His relentless enthusiasm to speak the truth in his final days is beyond inspiring. Hitch is a true warrior and comrade. Thank you again for sharing Professor! Epic
He denied the truth his entire life. Jesus is the way the truth & the life.
May he open your heart & mind & show you the truth
@@Truth2023 prove it
@@Truth2023 your very sad and hateful.
@@fishfingers8441 you're not your. And I'm not sad and hateful. I'm a Catholic who is filled with love and happiness that I have a loving relationship with Christ. The only people full of hatred and spite are atheists who spend their every waking moment attacking religion & insulting people because they have faith. These supposedly learned people think creation came out of nothing and that intelligent life happened by accident. That's a bit like a chair arguing that the carpenter who made it doesn't exist.
@@Truth2023 you haven’t even listened to our evidence or arguments which is truly saddening, we don’t think anything happened by accident, we accept the process of evolution and natural selection which is the opposite of accidental. We aren’t attacking or insulting, we are allowed to state our evidence and debate just like Hitchens, just because you don’t like that doesn’t make you a victim. What your showing right now is that your prepared to click on a very precious and emotional, last known video of one of the greatest atheist intellectual thinkers of the last century or so, just so you can comment ignorantly and childishly on our emotional messages to him, which is especially hateful when you know we haven’t provoked you to do this, nothing about the video is about bringing you people down or spreading hate. You take advantage of a good man’s death to try and get your message across. What you don’t realise is that people like you who do that are what make us despise religion. You spend all your time desperately trying to make people believe in a ‘truth’ that has NO evidence and then are surprised when you drive us away and make people disgusted by your actions and dogma even more than before. You need to understand that we will never give in to your ridiculous claims, and that’s especially true when you target a victim of cancer to try and spread your bullshit. You should leave these videos alone when your unprepared to listen or learn like we are. I pity you and the laughable superiority complex you flaunt. Your blind.
Love him. What a great mind. I think about this Hitch quote all of the time:
“I want to live my life taking the risk - all the time - that I don't know anything like-enough yet, that I haven't understood enough, that I can't know enough, that I'm always hungrily operating on the margins of a potentially great harvest of future knowledge and wisdom...Take the risk of thinking for yourself, much more happiness, truth, beauty, and wisdom will come to you.”