In Memoriam: Christopher Hitchens, 1949–2011
The news that Christopher Hitchens has passed away came through a short while ago. I’ve lost a few people in my life over the years, but none affects me as deeply as the loss of this man. Never having met him doesn’t change the fact that he has had a huge impact on my life and the way I live it.
A lot of outspoken, famous or loud atheists have had some quite descriptive words used in connection with them. The one I saw earlier used about Christopher is the one I happen to like the most. Unflinching. I’ve never known the man to take a backward step or water down his words to accommodate anyone.
Whenever Christopher took the stage or stepped in front of a microphone you knew you were about to hear something worthwhile. He may have been the embodiment of using a sledgehammer when a hammer would have sufficed, but that was his way. Sometimes when a point has to be made, you need to make it loud and clear. He knew how to do that.
Christopher had a lot more to offer the world and sadly, now we’ll never know what that may have been. There will be plenty of others who knew him personally who can talk so much more knowledgeably about this fine man, so I will leave that to them. For my part, I can only tell you how sad his passing leaves me today.