The message silently spoken in that backdrop of just some of the literally thousands of books this learned man read, consumed, incorporated and could cite with stunning precision speaks to what Hitchens really represented - that education, learning, the pursuit of knowledge are defining human rights, needs and values and that only in being so extraordinarily well read can anyone truly lead. Sadly, politics, as they are, almost prevents the well-read from pursuing elected office. And those not brought up in a tradition of learning are intimidated by those who are and seek leaders in those who aren't which is why the common folk historically were locked out of all access to political power.
My few respectful criticism of the late great Hitch was he wasn’t as critical towards the ANC and the Vietcong as I’d like. Either miss this man a ton. 😢
Well. Hitch has said repeatedly and in his books that why he says he's a marxist is because of Marx's dialectical materlialism. That there is no supernatural realm or dimension in this universe. So it's philosophical, it's not practical. I doubt he was a communist or a socialist at all in the later years. He says he voted Libertarian in the 80s. And when Harry Browne ran for president in 1996. So it's philosophical.
@@Pinki2019 Talk about necroing a thread, I posted this 9 years ago. But since you did, I would say that he changed into a liberal in his later years and that this is what spurred his support for American empire. It's true that some Trotskyists turned into neocons, but that's just simply a way to excuse the fact that it's American liberalism that is at the heart of its imperialism, and not Trotskyism.
The message silently spoken in that backdrop of just some of the literally thousands of books this learned man read, consumed, incorporated and could cite with stunning precision speaks to what Hitchens really represented - that education, learning, the pursuit of knowledge are defining human rights, needs and values and that only in being so extraordinarily well read can anyone truly lead. Sadly, politics, as they are, almost prevents the well-read from pursuing elected office. And those not brought up in a tradition of learning are intimidated by those who are and seek leaders in those who aren't which is why the common folk historically were locked out of all access to political power.
He is sourly missed! He was a brilliant man and indeed somebody whom his presence would have been needed today.
Thank you for posting this, rferlonline.
My few respectful criticism of the late great Hitch was he wasn’t as critical towards the ANC and the Vietcong as I’d like.
Either miss this man a ton. 😢
Leszek Kołakowski
im Polish yet i didn't recognize the name since it is pronounced slightly different
Well. Hitch has said repeatedly and in his books that why he says he's a marxist is because of Marx's dialectical materlialism. That there is no supernatural realm or dimension in this universe. So it's philosophical, it's not practical. I doubt he was a communist or a socialist at all in the later years. He says he voted Libertarian in the 80s. And when Harry Browne ran for president in 1996. So it's philosophical.
His Trotskyism led him to support the disastrous Iraq invasion that ruined millions of lives.
@@Pinki2019 Talk about necroing a thread, I posted this 9 years ago. But since you did, I would say that he changed into a liberal in his later years and that this is what spurred his support for American empire. It's true that some Trotskyists turned into neocons, but that's just simply a way to excuse the fact that it's American liberalism that is at the heart of its imperialism, and not Trotskyism.
Who's the polish intellectual he's talking about around 8:00?
Leszek Kołakowski
What is the background noise…atrocious.
Probably, or most of them anyway.
Lol