For the people who ostensibly wish me well or are worried about my immortal soul, I say I take it kindly.
Interpretation
The quote expresses a complex relationship with the perceived goodwill of others, emphasizing a certain skepticism towards their intentions.
In this quote, Christopher Hitchens reflects on the insincere concern that some individuals express regarding his well-being and ‘immortal soul’. He acknowledges their good wishes but implies that he does not take them at face value, suggesting a deeper critique of societal norms around care and concern, particularly in the context of mortality and belief. Hitchens, known for his sharp wit and atheism, challenges the authenticity of these sentiments, implying they often serve more to affirm the comfort of the giver than to genuinely address the needs of the recipient.
In practice
In a public debate on existentialism, this quote could highlight the contrast between genuine concern and superficial goodwill.
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 — because it’s had to give so much more ground and because we know so much more. But you’ve 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.
Words empower us, move us beyond our suffering, and set us free.
Man should forget his anger before he lies down to sleep.
Above all, discard the irrelevant.
Never lose hope, my heart, miracles dwell in the invisible. If the whole world turns against you keep your eyes on the Friend.
The first beneficiary of compassion is always oneself. When compassion, or warmheartedness, arises in us and our focus shifts away from our own narrow self-interest, it is as if we open an inner door. It reduces fear, boosts confidence and brings us inner strength. By reducing distrust, it opens us to others and brings us a sense of connection to others, and sense of purpose and meaning in life.
The course of our lives is determined by how we react--what we decide and what we do--at the darkest of times. The nature of that response determines a person's true worth and greatness.
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