When I look back on what I did for the Left, I'm in a small way quite proud of some of it - I only wish I'd done more.
Interpretation
This quote reflects a sense of pride in past actions while also expressing a desire for greater achievement.
In this quote, Christopher Hitchens conveys a complex mix of feelings regarding his contributions to the Left. He acknowledges a sense of pride for what he has accomplished, recognizing the impact of his efforts, but simultaneously feels a lingering regret for not having done enough. This duality highlights the often challenging balance between satisfaction and ambition in one's pursuits, particularly in the realm of social and political activism.
In practice
In a speech about social responsibility, you might quote Hitchens to remind others of the importance of striving for greater impact.
In a public dialogue with Salman in London he [Edward Said] had once described the Palestinian plight as one where his people, expelled and dispossessed by Jewish victors, were in the unique historical position of being 'the victims of the victims': there was something quasi-Christian, I thought, in the apparent humility of that statement.
What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.
Never ask while you are doing it if what you are doing is fun. Don't introduce even your most reliably witty acquaintance as someone who will set the table on a roar.
[E]xceptional claims demand exceptional evidence.
The worst days are when you feel foggy in the head - chemo-brain they call it. It's awful because you feel boring. As well as bored. And stupid. And resigned.
Let me tell you something: for hundreds of thousands of years, this kind of discussion would have been impossible to have, or those like us would have been having it at the risk of our lives. Religion now comes to us in this smiley-face, ingratiating way β because itβs had to give so much more ground and because we know so much more. But youβve got no right to forget the way it behaved when it was strong, and when it really did believe that it had God on its side.
The resurrection is the keystone of the arch on which our faith is supported. If Christ has not risen, we must impeach all those witnesses for lying. If Christ has not risen, we have no proof that the crucifixion of Jesus differed from that of the two thieves who suffered with him. If Christ has not risen, it is impossible to believe his atoning death was accepted.
A narrative that branded Africa as little more than an economic, political and social basket case was not likely to provide the investment needed to drive development.
It is essential to understand that the U.N.'s strength lies in its values. The values enshrined in the Charter, the values the U.N. stands for, the values all religions respect.
The internal effects of a mutable policy poisons the blessings of liberty itself.
A democrat need not believe that the majority will always reach a wise decision. He should however believe in the necessity of accepting the decision of the majority, be it wise or unwise, until such a time that the majority reaches another decision.
Every breath is a sacrament, an affirmation of our connection with all other living things, a renewal of our link with our ancestors and a contribution to generations yet to come. Our breath is a part of life's breath, the ocean of air that envelopes the earth.
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