Christopher Hitchens and the Passing of the Old Guard

Christopher Hitchens was infinitely quotable. This fact has slipped the authors of some of his media memorials, notably at NPR where their tepid-temperedness barely concealed - indeed, was likely the cause of - a distinct distaste for the man. But among his fans this fact was never lost, and now on news of his death he is quoted as warmly as Hitch himself quoted Wodehouse (though with somewhat less laughter). It's so very hard to choose a favorite, but today this is mine:

Never be a spectator of unfairness or stupidity... the grave will supply plenty of time for silence.

I had a brief-but-violent paroxysm of grief when I heard that he'd gone. I have a half-composed letter, expressing appreciation for his work, and posing a few questions I had never heard him answer. Only my own laziness prevented me from finishing that missive three months ago, and mailing it, though I suppose it might not have been opened in time. I understand he gets... got... no gets a lot of mail. No doubt it's still coming, even as he departs.

I am learning today how many in my immediate circle were fond of Hitch, to some degree or other, and it surprises me to learn this now. Why on earth didn't we talk about the man while he lived, when we might have gone together to see him chew on some unsuspecting pundit or clergyman?

There are two dominant tropes about his passing. They are:

• 1. (MILD) I didn't agree with the man, and he sure was a jerk, but I respect his writing/ brain/ taste in whisky.
• 2. (HOT) I am distraught, for we shall never see his kind again!

My response to both of these is the same: WHY THE HELL NOT? I've listened to all, or at least most, of his recorded debates and several of his Sunday talkshow appearances, and I never heard him lose an argument to anyone. Doubtless it has happened, for it seems that he argued all the time, but to Hitch a defeat is an opportunity to refine not just his argument, but his thinking. His opinions were subject to revision in the light of new evidence, his thinking precise, his logic sound, his moral stance unshakable. Resolute. Chemically inert. I find it difficult to disagree with Hitch and still be thinking at all - upon reflection I usually discover that I must agree.

The second expression caused me first to sagely nod and then mournfully agree, but I've gotten over that now. True, there is no figure in the public dialogue today with his intelligence, his easy wit, his glittery-eyed viciousness, but I see no reason to think this is a permanent state. Do it yourself. This has been my personal project of late, to think critically and to say what I think. I'm finding it difficult, especially in Minnesota, especially as a woman, but I'm unwilling to allow myself excuses. And the more I say, the more I find I have to say.

After all, that was what I was trying to say to Hitch in the letter I tried to write. To thank him for teaching me the importance of criticism, that the fight is worthwhile, that being likable is not as important as being right. I can't ask him those questions anymore, but I stand a much better chance of answering them myself.