I heard a story that before Christopher Hitchens died he asked to see a priest , and after a long and difficult conversation , he de-converted the priest to Atheism .

@leewhite344

6 жыл бұрын

Edrei Argueta Lmao

@christophertudor4727

6 жыл бұрын

Edrei Argueta Absolutely fabulous and very clever joke indeed. It gave me a good giggle that lol!

@lucidl

6 жыл бұрын

Haha same! Hitch would have liked that one! He left us in some ways but his afterlife is eternal in his books and these recordings

@stopper90004

6 жыл бұрын

Edrei Argueta , you made my day!

@matthewgleave9820

6 жыл бұрын

Similar to Voltaire

An underrated aspect of this interview is Paxman’s unusually short and precise questioning. He doesn’t see the need to interrupt/challenge Hitchens. He - like the rest of us - understands the privilege of hearing this man’s last public words. RIP.

@felina7849

11 ай бұрын

Underrated by who?

@user-yu3co5vo7w

11 ай бұрын

@@felina7849 whom

@davidstaffell

9 ай бұрын

Well it's not really a conversation that calls for debate, which is generally what paxman does

@dannyarcher

3 ай бұрын

@@felina7849he’s referring to what might be described as an area of this interview. It clearly wasn’t wasted on you because you clearly grasped it because of how utterly amazing you are. Indeed, you’re so amazing you took to the comments section to draw out that line of questioning hoping to engage debate around something that clearly wasn’t missed by you….. Perhaps you should write out even more comments about how great you are….. or save everyone time and just admit you’re a d1ckhead….

@oregoncoastbeachcomber2060

3 ай бұрын

It's a good interviewer who can shut up and listen rather than trying to rush through their questions.

Over ten years later I find myself searching for every extant video of Christopher Hitchens. His valuable insightfulness is needed now more than ever I fear.

@science4life486

10 ай бұрын

Agreed

@jamesdavis5237

9 ай бұрын

I just started to do the same thing with Christopher's interviews. I have been finding, at the ripe age of 50, that my understanding of his perspective has been enhanced. His clarity is remarkable.

@amuletk

8 ай бұрын

Same

@jamesrobert4106

6 ай бұрын

Especially now.

@pogtuber5146

6 ай бұрын

Instead of searching for videos, you should be buying and reading his books :)

Christopher Hitchens is a person I never physically Met, Yet he is one of the few people I miss the most.

@forensix78

Ай бұрын

I agree with this 100%. He is on my short list of 3 people I’ve never met, but who I actually mourn. And on this note, I’ve been going through my annual Hitchens phase recently, and truly became sad to think that in this era, with everything going on in the world, I don’t have his perspective. This culminated in my discovery that Hitchens’ own self-described “best friend” (although I’m sure he had many), Martin Amis, lived the closing years of his life literally 60 seconds away from my place of work. And on that realization, I felt a little bit closer to Hitchens’ universe.

"We should not mourn that such men died, rather we should rejoice that such men ever lived" - George Patton

@sabbracadabra8367

2 жыл бұрын

Yep I love that. And focus on their messages.

@EvilSean62

2 жыл бұрын

i think the thing is to remember the salient messages ... but we have had messages defining humanity and calling out slavery etc ... yet they endure

@DaveSCameron

2 жыл бұрын

Of course 🔚

@MikeStand11

2 жыл бұрын

Great comment. Thanks for the quote. I'll definitely use that in the future.

@MakeSomeNoiseAgencyPlaylists

2 жыл бұрын

he was not so clever 😂😂😂

What an intelligent, articulate and dignified man. The world truly suffered from losing him.

@gumusluk16

5 жыл бұрын

@blake bishop can we ask why you feel like that toward him?

@xxMrBaldyxx

5 жыл бұрын

blake bishop - I think you are only angry because he made fun of your imaginary friend.

@NYCBG

5 жыл бұрын

@blake bishop "Where the money was"??? You are the champion of the paraolympic games.

@gumusluk16

5 жыл бұрын

@blake bishop facts please....not just your opinion......he's only speaking the truth.

@thechairman925

5 жыл бұрын

mistercheez aAżqqqżqqżxqqqqqqqq

What an incredible man, and what incredible dignity and strength of character in the face of death. What a incredibly intelligent, insightful, and principled man - and what a powerful, important voice for reason and moral decency. Rest in peace, sir.

@cainparker3478

5 ай бұрын

Hear hear. What a beautiful mind to at least listen to in retrospect. I wonder what he would make of the world today.

@vibesverily

2 ай бұрын

i actually liked the guy but jesus christ you sycophants make me want to vomit. i was searching for a recent interview with his brother (to be clear i like his brother much less as far as i can tell although hes never interested me enough to really find out definitively) and wound up here and dear god this is hitchens at his most tedious and pompous. the man is genuinely insufferable in this clip. to heap this kind of praise on him based on this interview is baffling to me. "battling cancer? why, i rather feel like its battling me!" or whatever he said. thats just completely inane semantic nonsense, which would be fine but he just insulted people for saying the inverse. ugh. alright i have to get off this clip reading all these sycophantic comments is darkening my mood very quickly

Hitchens continues to enlighten. We owe him so much. Thank you Christopher.

One of the most articulate & intelligent men to have lived on this bizarre planet.

@jdub6153

4 жыл бұрын

I am just a farmer....and always think the only significant differences between us and animals is that we use tools and can make fires....other than that I believe we believe our existence is way more relevant than it really is?

@rep3e4

4 жыл бұрын

Rubbish!

@jonathonrobinson7236

4 жыл бұрын

Psalm 53:1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and vile in their ways; there is no one who does good.

@regplasma7906

4 жыл бұрын

@@jonathonrobinson7236 Are you implying that you believe that Christopher did no good whilst on this planet and was a vile ,corrupt fool ? If so that's a very miscalculated,incriminating and naive statement.

@jonathonrobinson7236

4 жыл бұрын

Its naive when you don't see his true nature. John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

"I think I prefer resistance to battling. I didn't pick this fight, but now I am in it." Never fails to astonish me.

@tristramgordon8252

4 жыл бұрын

The only people who talk about "fighting" or "battling" cancer, are cancer charities, or parasites as I call them. Believe me, there is no battling or fighting where cancer's concerned, I'd say, "enduring" or at the end game "suffering".

@berniebasset9465

4 жыл бұрын

@@tristramgordon8252 You call cancer charities parasites? If you ever get cancer, don't use any of the treatment that has been funded by cancer charities. Good luck.

@dannymcafee4552

4 жыл бұрын

Doug Miles, so it's a guarantee if you smoke and are an alcoholic, you get cancer? Is that right, Doctor????

@1wannabee1

4 жыл бұрын

Cancer is PROOF that there can be NO 'God'. Because if I'm wrong? that that would certainly make this so called 'God' THE biggest SADIST that EVER existed! (and prize TWAT too).

@Bucketheadhead

4 жыл бұрын

It reminds me of his support for the Palestinians and their resistance. The same sentiment can be applied to their plight.

An honest man who simply sought the truth about a lot of important matters.

I found myself strangely moved by this interview. Wish I had followed him more and read more of his work while he was still alive. The whole world is so much poorer for his passing.

I think one of the most touching things here is Paxman's unexpected tenderness.

@mchristhomas

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely.

@shaun5944

3 жыл бұрын

He ain't got much choice, the man was dying 🤔

@mchristhomas

3 жыл бұрын

@@shaun5944 I've seen the interview where Paxo interviewed Maurice Duvalier. He was dying too and Paxo tore into him .

@dertdood

3 жыл бұрын

@@mchristhomas do you have a link?

@mchristhomas

3 жыл бұрын

@@dertdood yes

I can listen to Christopher Hitchens talk all day. He speaks so eloquently and beautifully.

@blaisemorris7601

6 жыл бұрын

A brave man sharing his thoughts at the end and beautifully addressed by Paxman. How could anybody not be moved?

@lucidl

6 жыл бұрын

You can Paxman was in awe, and rightly so

@billymcmonagle949

5 жыл бұрын

So beautifully put, a great amongst intellectuals a worthy man, who lived a live of challenge, who challenged wrongs, and stood tall when all the lies and smoke had faded, i miss his brilliance. God bless him.

@btewb

5 жыл бұрын

Its called a british accent

@SuperAnimelover100

5 жыл бұрын

@@btewb Not just any British accent .Ha certainly not Cockney , Scouse or Geordie accent !

Not a servant of God but a servant of truth. His truth was my truth and I miss that he is no longer with us. We were lucky to have him.

@malikrobinson9922

Жыл бұрын

Yet he died from throat cancer speaking against the holy God of the universe. Ironically. Your truth is you'll die and go to hell just like him if u don't repent and turn to Christ before its to late . He wouldn't have spend 5 minutes talking to u if he was alive. Your is dead quit worshipping men.

@sdkfz2519

11 ай бұрын

He wasn't necessarily a servant of truth. He also said many lies and spread inaccuracies (e.g. the nonsense that JFK ordered killing of the Diem family in Vietnam. A lie that Christopher repeated many times). I do miss him, but he was pretty overrated.

@DebBd-bp8iu

8 ай бұрын

​@@sdkfz2519 Do not show fake love. You can detest him, hate him but do not say you liked him and yet project such atrocities.

@OmarMohamed-ed7kz

7 ай бұрын

A very articulate man who held some good positions, and some bad positions. Like most intellectuals he wasn’t humble enough when challenged on some of his poorer choices/positions. On the subject of truth, God is the source of all Truth. There is only one absolute truth. And that is God. (In Islam one of his names/attributes is : Al-Haqq. The Truth.)

@erzsebethyoung

7 ай бұрын

​@@OmarMohamed-ed7kz ... Think you will learn through research that ALL Religions were infiltrated, including Islam ... Why would your Prophet marry a 6 year old girl and consummate the marriage when she was 9 years old, because he didn't. Aisha was at least 16 when she met the Prophet ... You see, there were members of the Ruling Elite in the inner circle of Advisers to Judaism, Christianity and Islam and it was those Advisers who perverted all Religions to suit the Agendas of Rome who were/are from the Ancient Aryan-Persian- Iranian Dynasty and they have ruled Earth for Milenia, they are NOT Italian but Persian. Any guesses why Biden, and Obama before him, sent Billions of $$$ to Iran .

A great human being. If more people had his insight, a lot of the troubles we experience could be overcome.

@MS-fg8qo

6 ай бұрын

And a sad alcoholic. Certainly not a role-model for happiness but certainly intellectually stimulating.

@michaelfritts6249

17 күн бұрын

​@@MS-fg8qoan untroubled intellect is a simp.. Be well!! 🙂

I absolutely love how Hitchens, when quoted someone, can always expand on the quote and put it into its proper context and he does so without any hint of superiority or smugness. He was a true gentleman 'til the end.

@user-wf1qf5qv3c

4 жыл бұрын

No he wasn't

@lynnsmithershubbard1896

3 жыл бұрын

@@user-wf1qf5qv3c both are true

@cassanateli

3 жыл бұрын

That really is just a very basic requirement for anyone capable of cognitive thought tbh

@cassanateli

3 жыл бұрын

@@lynnsmithershubbard1896 Nope, he was an unabashed advocate of anti-civility. I think you guys are probably just not British and equating an English accent with being a gentleman. He would not have liked to be called a gentleman

@jackdawcaw4514

3 жыл бұрын

@@cassanateli of course he is not an advocate of anti-civility. There'd be many things he could do better if that were his goal, including showing us which other organs he uses how to blaspheme. He just felt that, in context, it was important to be clear, honest, direct.

When I hear Christopher Hitchens speak It makes me miss him and feel sad. Great human being.

@wobby04

7 жыл бұрын

Christopher*

@MaisieDaisyUpsadaisy

7 жыл бұрын

Mizrob Abdukholikov Its Christopher

@mizroba.3238

7 жыл бұрын

masonmmaspecilist Sorry my bad.

@captaincolumbo7860

7 жыл бұрын

BLOODY IDIOT.

@kaw420TSVR

7 жыл бұрын

You have exposed yourself as such.

I'd never seen this interview but feel privileged to see such dignity and pragmatism in the face of such personal tragedy, I am deeply moved. Never seen Paxman show such deep respect for anyone! Any words I could muster would never do justice to Hitch, he truly deserves the title of being a great man. It would have been epic to see what he would have made of the utter insanity that now prevails in this very troubled world. What a tragic loss to humanity.

@martydav9475

5 ай бұрын

Two brilliant men certainly.

@oregoncoastbeachcomber2060

3 ай бұрын

Yes. I would love to hear what Hitch and George Carlin would have to say about the nonsense in philosophy, culture and religion today.

I find an odd surge of strength and comfort in watching him during his last days. It makes me less anxious and stressed about how and when I will move on from this life. He not only fought until the end but also faced it head-on and without fear, but with tenacity. As we all should with this life we've been given.

@suz567

9 ай бұрын

He is one of my great heroes

@richardwait1206

9 ай бұрын

Sadly Christopher died before the abomination in America of Trump, just would love to hear his thoughts on American politics today

@kerosene4751

6 ай бұрын

@@richardwait1206 He would not be impressed with the far left activism, riots, and sympathy with Islamic jihad.

I hope I face my death with such courage.

@MrDigztheswagking

6 жыл бұрын

K Nicole true legend

@Thetruepianoman

5 жыл бұрын

Shane Stephen If God makes people act like you're acting, you can keep him

@jacobpaulson23

5 жыл бұрын

Shane Stephen ''get real man'' says the one believing in magic

@orlansmith6230

5 жыл бұрын

@Vote Little Win Big There is God and there is life after death

@HerrProfMike

5 жыл бұрын

@@orlansmith6230 thanks for the clear guidance, and your evidence is?

his command of the English language is just brilliant!

@Seanocular

7 жыл бұрын

almost as good as rowan williams !

@paulguru5798

7 жыл бұрын

Dom Cox hahaha very good joke

@WildChildFromHell

7 жыл бұрын

He was a master.

@midnightmover2329

6 жыл бұрын

Hossam ElGebeily Oh! Spine tingling.

@yogihaughton

6 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! I continually try to expand my vocabulary and when u listen to Hitchens, it's a totally inspiring experience in the art of discussion.

Erudite, educated, enlightened, experienced and above all eloquent! These are the hallmarks of greatness, and Hitch had it in spades. If there's a heaven, he's there, having been given a pass simply by what he stood for: rigorous in thought, passionate in belief, candor in speech, sincerity in all he questioned. Rest in peace, brother. When they made you, they broke the mould.

Never get tired of listening to this legend. Years later people are still hearing his message.

@gordonross784

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed. Recommend his writing. That is the real gold!

@katherinawarren1523

Жыл бұрын

I only just learned of him (2022!) and I’m so glad.

@sally1966

Жыл бұрын

First time hearing of him and so glad I did! Today I watched a couple of his debate videos and I hope he gave the college students something to think about.

@davidnewland2461

Жыл бұрын

@@gordonross784 aman to emulate the depth and breadth of his knowledge was awesome.

@judahjayson684

Жыл бұрын

What I don't understand is when he harshly condemns the Vietnam war he is a hero but when he advocated the Iraq war that was 2× worse it's like it never happened.

I have cancer ,operated and currently in remission. 3 years so far. Your thoughts and descriptions of this disease have helped me deal with it

@Mrhasbarafree

3 жыл бұрын

Much luck to you brother. May you live many many more years in good health.

@naomisherred166

3 жыл бұрын

That's great you're doing well - hope you continue to have an awesome, illness free life 😊

@w.8424

3 жыл бұрын

All the best Hudson

@themac150

3 жыл бұрын

I hope you get through it and beat it, always eat healthy and stay hydrated and stay away from toxic people. Hope the best for you!

@baehussain9863

3 жыл бұрын

Read the book mortality by Hitchens it is really beautiful ! And I hope for u to get cured .

"born into a losing struggle" The great man sums it up so brilliantly.

@johnnicol64

2 жыл бұрын

Buddhist belief in a nut shell

The fact Hitchens was so well read that he actually knew what he was talking about and could uncover many of his critics as unread and ignorant.Also his other of many virtues is his logic and his ability to help us mere mortals understand what he was talking or writing about. He is greatly missed like a great friend who left this mortal coil before their time,more people like him are needed especially today to help us go forward into an uncertain future.

@StuartMckay-qw9tp

6 ай бұрын

He articulated everything I feel but would never have known, or can ever express. Brilliant, brilliant man. I'm thankful for his time here.x

Eleven years since we lost you, Hitch. The world needs you now more than ever. Rest well good sir ❤️.

@seane6616

Жыл бұрын

I think woke would of stopped early if he was still around ha

@bearman74

Жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more mate. One wonders what He would have made of the way the wold looks now

@RashidAli-bp3mr

Жыл бұрын

How can he rest when he is dead. He didn't believe in anything.

@seane6616

Жыл бұрын

@@RashidAli-bp3mr Because he's dead lol, superstitious crazy people cant accept the reality of life. When we die, we...die...

@RashidAli-bp3mr

Жыл бұрын

@@seane6616 yeah

Unbelievably touching to see Paxman quite clearly showing some emotion right at the end of the interview.

@321bytor

4 жыл бұрын

@Kaian凯安 You can see a tear in Hitchen's eye. He's missed

This interview is one of Paxman's finest pieces of work. I'm not usually of fan of him, but he does this well.

@MrJohndory111

7 жыл бұрын

to be fair, he had an outstanding interviewee. but i agree, paxman conducted this well.

@thetrojanhorse.1320

7 жыл бұрын

I agree, and there are many moments where you can tell that Paxman genuinely loves and admires Hitchens. There are moments where Paxman wanted to take the interview in a more philosophical or emotional direction, but most likely knew it would cross a line of respect to do so. It is a great interview... boy do we need Hitchens in this current political climate.

@kimlog7476

6 жыл бұрын

Totally agree, it is an excellent interview.

@lucidl

6 жыл бұрын

He was in awe, this is how honest and respectful people engage

@iwannaseenow1

6 жыл бұрын

It was a great interview. This is only my second Paxman inerview, and I must say that I am impressed. The first one I saw he took the 'devil's advocate' pt of view against each person at the debate. cuts out the bs and gets right to the pt.

Remembering Christopher each year around Christmas. Tearing up while watching this discussion. Miss you Hitch!

@TheAtheist22

3 ай бұрын

I miss him too. Loads. Especially in times that he is so much more needed.

@ralphdavidson9542

3 ай бұрын

You remember him during a Christian celebration. How very ironic.

@TheAtheist22

3 ай бұрын

@@ralphdavidson9542 What does that mean?

@fnanfne

3 ай бұрын

@@ralphdavidson9542 Around the time of his death :/

Why have I found this amazing man so late. I disagree with his politics but can’t stop listening to him. Mr Hitchens, please accept this as my posthumous letter to a life well lived. RIP sir

@s13rr4buf3

4 ай бұрын

His politics were complex, and changed over the years. That's just another reason to respect him more. He was honest and humble enough to change his mind and admit it when he did, or if not change his mind, at least change his labels to some extent. Almost nobody ever does that.

'I've used many other organs to blaspheme as well' - what a fucking legend

@zackjohnson2919

3 жыл бұрын

@@lwacc are you actually that dense?

@billylardner

3 жыл бұрын

@@lwacc I think we’re all wondering what yours is.

@biffalobull2335

3 жыл бұрын

I suppose, if blasphemy makes one a legend

@bobbybower9405

3 жыл бұрын

Look up cross examined

@JH-ji6cj

3 жыл бұрын

@@lwacc the fact that we have a human term (blasphemy) that describes the nature of how abominable religious beliefs are as an affront to the values of free speech is what should be considered pathetic. And you are pathetic to consider otherwise.

Pre Trump, pre Brexit oh to hear him speak on these matters.

@aidanmagill6769

4 жыл бұрын

He was an unapologetic socialist so he'd be 100% behind brexit. Given his well publicised contempt for all things Clinton he'd likely have seen Trump as the lesser evil but would be tearing him to shreds although not for the same reasons as those with TDS.

@upthevilla4281

4 жыл бұрын

@@aidanmagill6769 He despised the Clinton's as a socialite family and a presidential candidates. But his contempt for Trump would have triumphed over anything, there is no way he would side with a person so averse to the principles he preaches, principles of reason, free thought, the advocacy of scientific research into fields of the unknown. Hitch would put aside his grievances of the Clinton's and would do anything to make sure someone as volatile and dangerous as Trump would never see the light of day in the white house. Sam Harris was actually asked about the question 'What would Hitch do' and shares the same sentiments.

@smritivipin

4 жыл бұрын

@@aidanmagill6769 It is absolute nonsense that all socialists are behind Brexit. I will grant you that socialists may be divided on the issue, but many socialists see Brexit in terms of those leading and directing it and it's likely outcomes. The EU may have many flaws, but membership is infinitely preferable to allegiance to a Trump-led US, coordinated by the authors of Britannia Unchained and cheered on by the billionaire-owned press. Many people voting on the issue may not have realised that was the choice on offer, but it is very clear when you look at it closely. Being opposed to a thing does not make any alternative better - something that is as true of the EU as of Hilary Clinton.

@aidanmagill6769

4 жыл бұрын

@@smritivipin not really socialists then, are they?

@smritivipin

4 жыл бұрын

@@aidanmagill6769 What nonsense. The Brexit program is being directed by the most right-wing government in recent UK history. Only someone who is determined to be wilfully ignorant could think that this will not shape how Brexit plays out. Opposing it hardly makes someone 'not a socialist'. My original post acknowledged that socialists are divided on the issue (as foolish as I think that is). It really is a case of the lesser of two evils. I am well aware that the EU has been used to push some highly objectionable policies; I just think that continued membership is better than giving Johnson, Raab, Patel etc free reign. Your argument is similar to those who supported Trump because Hilary was so awful. Of course she was awful - but you would have to have had one lobotomy too many not to see that Trump is far, far worse.

Such a shame that we lost him so young. This interview also shows Paxman at his best: challenging but still respectful.

@toddcameron6298

2 жыл бұрын

Hes got hot feet now 🥰

@donthesitatebegin9283

2 жыл бұрын

@@toddcameron6298 "He's" - not "Hes". Your spelling is as appalling as your gleeful, sadistic fantasies and Magical-thinking.

@donthesitatebegin9283

2 жыл бұрын

@@BiggieBig_ "Shut the fuck up" - not "shut the fuck up". Your grammar is as appalling as your dictatorial demand and wishful-thinking. N.B. Why did you delete your comment? Let me guess - embarrassment?

@ansxr916

2 жыл бұрын

@@donthesitatebegin9283 are u really grammar policing on the internet😭u are not christoper hitchens, ur trying way too hard with unnecessary adjectives

@donthesitatebegin9283

2 жыл бұрын

@@ansxr916 Hilarious!

Paxman and Hitchens were clearly good friends, I detect a sadness and finality about their conversation. They like each other. Much respect and condolences.

@jwvandegronden

3 жыл бұрын

Was looking for someone writing this comment to see if I weren't the only one instead of all the comments on him by people who can't seem to make the distinction between honest and uncivil discourse. They indeed seem to be close, and at least respectful towards eachother's professional and intellectual rigor.

@marioluigi9599

3 жыл бұрын

Sounded to me like Paxman is actually quite religious compared to him

@stjames3852

3 жыл бұрын

@@marioluigi9599 doesn’t mean they couldn’t be friends :)

@marioluigi9599

3 жыл бұрын

@@stjames3852 I think he's a bit dumb to be honest, because God is important Like he's gonna look like a Muppet once he's resurrected and stood before God. Like it's not gonna pass just having an attitude about it on that day

@richardfloeckher4650

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I think you’re right James Stuart. The looks they exchanged near the end were very heartfelt, I think.

"We are born sick and commanded to be well" hit me like a fucking train.

@athonyhiggins3117

2 жыл бұрын

Watch your language you need to expand your volcabulary.

@PyroNebula

2 жыл бұрын

@@athonyhiggins3117 excuse me? My vocabulary’s fine thank you very much and you haven’t any right or authority to tell myself or anyone else to “watch their language”. Fuck off :)

@BobC250

2 жыл бұрын

@@athonyhiggins3117 - If you don't like people speaking from the heart, uncensored, whay are you watching a Christopher Hitchens video? He used the F word, with aplomb, on many occasions.

@athonyhiggins3117

2 жыл бұрын

@@BobC250 Hutchins very possible that he is in hell

@MontyCantsin5

Жыл бұрын

@Anthony Higgins: Hell? What are you going on about?

Really wish he was still with us. The world right now needs a man of his wisdom and wit to give his perspective.

So so happy to have and will continue too listen to this insightful, articulate and humorous gentlemen. Great man.

Sometimes, late at night, I like to listen to Hitchens for hours and absorb his great wisdom and eloquence.

@jonathonrobinson7236

3 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry my friend of your lack of discernment, Hitchens lacked wisdom and was a fool. Proverbs 9:10 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 28:11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him. Psalm 10:4 In his pride the wicked man does not seek God; in all his schemes there is no God. Psalm 53:1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and vile in their ways; there is no one who does good.

@bikelawman

3 жыл бұрын

Jonathon Robinson Do you have an actual argument to put, or are you just reaching for the ad hominem and the quotation of documents whose significant is unagreed?

@tomgreene2282

3 жыл бұрын

@@bikelawman Did not agree with the late Ch Hitch....but he was not a fool., ..as a believer I think there are good Catholic grounds for thinking he is in Heaven...and would definitely not say he was in Hell...the sort of man I would have liked to have a pint with!

@50_Pence

3 жыл бұрын

Me too - in the hope that some of his intelligence goes into my mind

@anncompelli6823

3 жыл бұрын

Churlisshly - Me too - I listen to him for hours - one of the few voices of reason, who would probably now be ashamed of calling himself " leftist"

He admits that he doesn't know it all. None of us do. I think it's called humility.

@Patrick-hb7bk

4 жыл бұрын

It's called wilfull ignorance in this case .

@rpl1318

3 жыл бұрын

@@Patrick-hb7bk wait, admitting to not know everything is willful ignorance? who is there that knows everything... and please don't say god

I always need to come back and listen to Hitchens every once in a while, and his talk on how he viewed the end of his life and death in general is one of the most articulate, comforting & eloquent dialogues I've ever heard. An absolutely amazing orator.

@OneAdam12Adam

2 жыл бұрын

Amen! He keeps me sane.

@annelieswallace237

2 жыл бұрын

Lewis Murphy@ I too listen to his talks, debates, arguments... frequently. He uplifts my spirits immeasurably!

@Faith-Ministries

2 жыл бұрын

I would very much love to see the look on his face when he died and stood before GOD, whether he believed or not is irrelevant. Even so it was his choice and as such he should be talked about with respect. I do not agree with a lot of what he said, "BUT" he was Brilliant, Articulate, Intelligent. The list goes on.

@nickgreaves1242

2 жыл бұрын

I do exactly the same. Well said.

@dragica124

2 жыл бұрын

​@@Faith-Ministries stood before what God?

The heights of this man’s brilliance shines so much brighter in view of the depth of ignorance that has begun to grip the world. 😍😊

Christopher Hitchens created an hypnotic effect whenever he spoke.

@Maliique

4 жыл бұрын

Love people like these. Gore Vidal was another.

@dialmformowgli

4 жыл бұрын

Only fools get hypnotized by men

@toni4729

4 жыл бұрын

@@dialmformowgli Most men get mypnotized by women

Great interview by Paxman, still asking the awkward and hard questions but yet showing the respect that Hitch well and truly deserves at this point

@colin-campbell

4 жыл бұрын

“At this point” At that point**

@CedarRoofsOnly

4 жыл бұрын

HE always deserves respect!

@lynnsmithershubbard1896

3 жыл бұрын

@@colin-campbell both, unfortunately....

I feel like I've lost a friend. What an amazing, articulate genius

@estebanb7166

2 жыл бұрын

We have his work. I’m grateful for that much.

28 minutes that everyone should take the time to watch

I just cannot bear it that he is not here when the world is so desperately in need of his deep intellect and insight. RIP.

@nutmeg0144

4 жыл бұрын

Jeez that is pathetic.

@burstcity3832

3 жыл бұрын

The reason we became the dominant species is because we learned to share knowledge.

@crazyfishmonster459

3 жыл бұрын

He would hate this kind of simpering attitude, believe me.

@Me-yv6jn

3 жыл бұрын

We are always in need of it, which is why it’s best to try to create it ourselves.

@CoastfishTV

3 жыл бұрын

Me too x

Only having discovered this hero posthumously, the vast filmed and written collection of his thoughts available will be more valuable to me as I learn from them. He seems to be a hugely underrated philosopher; his wisdom and legacy need to positively affect more people in this world.

@richarddawkinscoinedthewor2318

6 жыл бұрын

DontTouchTheWatch he is a philosopher in most ways but calling him an intellectual works too

@lucidl

6 жыл бұрын

I cried when he finally passed, he'd been the voice of reason for me and still is

@johnhoyt4481

6 жыл бұрын

James M the nh

@craigdavidson2278

5 жыл бұрын

You should look for Bertrand Russell also. Hitch and him were two peas in a pod.

@kieronhill8244

5 жыл бұрын

Shane Stephen you are the deluded fool. Christopher Hitchens although not always right, offers another point of view not previously contemplated which is the very definition of a talented and intelligent philosopher. You my friend need to expand your horizons a touch.

Every time I see an interview, speech or debate involving this man, I feel more educated about life!

@hansfranklin1742

Жыл бұрын

If we all reflect like him …..what an honest and intellectually beautiful world this would be .

@Nobodieslistening123

Жыл бұрын

Satan has done his job

@tykingswell3717

Жыл бұрын

@@Nobodieslistening123 do you think your god would think your time is being spent in a valuable way?

@Nobodieslistening123

Жыл бұрын

@@tykingswell3717 sure I’m trying to help souls

@tykingswell3717

Жыл бұрын

@@Nobodieslistening123 But your not. Your not preaching in kind like Jesus did, your not seeking to ferry these people through expert and kind education. Your just being a “keyboard” warrior online to make yourself feel better about your “lack of damnation” ultimately god being an all seeing being would know this as well. I’d go so far to say, I bet your god thinks you’re a waste.

What a great man. So dignified. This should be listened to every so often. Grateful to have been introduced to me by my son. Thankful to BBC to have on KZread -

We lost a great man 10 years ago today. You'll never be forgotten. RIP Hitch!

@baldieman64

2 жыл бұрын

And the tyranny came from a direction that he could never have foreseen.

@earnestlycontendingforthef5332

2 жыл бұрын

He will be very well catered for, as he has gone to meet his Maker and explain...."27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" Hebrews 9:27 (ANIV)

@baldieman64

2 жыл бұрын

@@earnestlycontendingforthef5332 Still butt-hurt over his hurty words, 10 years after his death?

@earnestlycontendingforthef5332

2 жыл бұрын

@@baldieman64 LOL! He hasn't hurt me at all...only himself and his now futile destiny, as he will find out to his cost on Judgment Day! "49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth". Matthew 13:48-50 (KJV)

@earnestlycontendingforthef5332

2 жыл бұрын

@@baldieman64 True!!! "God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee" Luke 12:19-20 (KJV)

I was very taken aback watching this. This is superb interview. He is very clear and collected with his ideas on thoughts of his impending demise. You can see how carefully he is weighing each and every one word to say exactly what it means. Great mind. One that is sorely missed.

@grazzer88

5 жыл бұрын

Paxman can be a rather aggressive interviewer, even if only to play devil's advocate, a lot of people are made uncomfortable being interviewed by him because he has a way of undermining people who ride their own ego's. In most of his interviews Paxman is very much in control of the debate and in embarrassing the guests by pointing out inconsistencies and hypocrisies in their thoughts and/or actions. But the fact that Paxman can't get any leverage or wedge's in his [Hitchins'] thought process goes to show his control and mastery of rational thought. If nothing else, that should be justification for respect of his intellect. RIP.

Regrettably, I didn’t know of Hitchens whilst he was alive, but what a tremendous guy he was… I feel very fortunate that there are so many videos of him available to soak up and ponder, and this one is particularly powerful and poignant. Paxman’s clearly somewhat in awe and Hitchens’ eyes seem to tell a story in themselves. Lovely stuff.

@seane6616

Жыл бұрын

I think woke would of stopped early if he was still around ha

@MrArchie800

Жыл бұрын

@@seane6616 Respectfully disagree, I think he would have explained what 'woke' actually means and why it is not such a bad thing.

@seane6616

Жыл бұрын

@@MrArchie800 It's national socialist propaganda for "Modern audiences" ha, it's basis is lies and cherry picking of statistics to mislead people. Noway he would support it

@oil_can

Жыл бұрын

@@seane6616 It’s always amusing when ignorant bigots act as though they comprehend what being woke means.

@paulgemme6056

Жыл бұрын

@@MrArchie800 He would have definitely agreed with woke because he didn't know the truth (Christ Jesus). The blind leading the blind (spiritually).

I really loved Christopher. I miss him and wish he was still here. He’s been widely beloved, admired and respected by people from every walk of life. As a person with an affinity for words I truly admire him beyond measure. There will never be another like him.

In 28 years of life, I think this is the first time I've seen Jeremy Paxman look at someone putting his hands down in admiration

So many people stumble through life begging the English language to express to the world their thoughts. This man commanded that language to bow to his will. It is no stretch to deem him a linguistic genius, and I cling to every word he speaks.

@gitrattled1933

5 жыл бұрын

Beautifully said friend

@onyebuchic.omodon6777

4 жыл бұрын

His brother is that way too!

@jeffreydouglas9800

4 жыл бұрын

.

@Stu-SB

4 жыл бұрын

I'll second that...

@ecb1979

4 жыл бұрын

Yes. Stunningly beautiful in his linguistics. I can listen to him for hours, and frequently do.

I watched this extraordinary man give this interview many times over the years and he/it still moves and inspires me every single time.

One of the best interviews! Great job, Paxman!

If someone asks me the definition of dignity I'll send them this link

@JamieHarte

7 жыл бұрын

Exactly. I think I'll be returning to this interview a lot in the future

@dagnut

6 жыл бұрын

It is just transparent honesty, the ultimate humility and compassion derives from speaking the truth, as you understand. Dignity implies the seeking of respect for ones being or image, Hitchens never did this.

@lucidl

6 жыл бұрын

@dagnut dignity is not about seeking anything fro another ie respect, it's more about humility and conduct. You're thinking of affirmation. You're right that Hitchens never did this of course!

@dagnut

6 жыл бұрын

SPL look up the definition of the word. I am not trying to be pedantic, Hitchens would have said the same.

@lucidl

6 жыл бұрын

I actually did before I posted to double check; perhaps we are getting crossed wires in that case

The worst thing about the description of cancer here is having someone so articulate to voice it.

He did this interview for us, to show that even in the face of death, one does not have to succomb to fear and lies!

@johnnicholas978

2 жыл бұрын

U nailed it....

Hitchens was such a titan for truth. Miss him very much. Preachers could not help but like him. Christopher gave so much to his readers.

"I've used many other organs to blaspheme" 😂😂

@FINDINGFITNESS101

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, and he is now sowing what he reaped. As you will when your time comes and your mockery wanes!

@STA12345

4 жыл бұрын

@@FINDINGFITNESS101 right now? He is dead.

@ecb1979

4 жыл бұрын

@@FINDINGFITNESS101 such a loving being 🙄

@squidwardlongbottom4837

4 жыл бұрын

TL Strength & Conditioning he’s a corpse in the ground you pedantic luddite. You’ll find no converts here so you best move along to some other vulnerable group of folks whose misfortune you can exploit

@GoofballLOL

4 жыл бұрын

I think he was primarily referring to his brain lol

I wish I had known about him sooner. I’ve been a closet atheist for about 20 years. His words have given me the courage to open up about my lack of belief. What a great man. ❤️

@Patrick-hb7bk

4 жыл бұрын

Fool .

@tshaw219

3 жыл бұрын

I grew up in the south and the fear of being disowned was strong. No one around me thought the way that I did/do so I felt like I had to stay quiet. I have since embraced it completely. ❤️

@vaidute2576

3 жыл бұрын

He is great indeed and well done about your courage ☺️

@lucylane7397

3 жыл бұрын

Being British it seems bizarre that someone would feel the need to be a closet atheist it’s almost the default setting for us

@hayleydryden8358

3 жыл бұрын

Religion has been used by man and changed to suit his greed and needs..

I watched this again today and it made me weep. Great men are in such short supply these days and I wish we still had his voice in the public discourse.

@EugeneVerster

Жыл бұрын

his brother is alive

@JeffreyGillespie

Жыл бұрын

@@EugeneVerster Peter is just not at the same level intellectually.

@EugeneVerster

Жыл бұрын

@@JeffreyGillespie how do you figure that, same genetics, same up bringing, same education, and in fact both used to have the same views. however i would love to hear the objective (and provable factual) reason for why Peter was the dumber brother

@George-nv1ri

Жыл бұрын

@@JeffreyGillespie not sure he isn't as smart in fact I think his world view is more accurate than Christopher, but Peter lacks the hubris and charm of Christopher

@dcworld4349

Жыл бұрын

@@EugeneVerster Used to have being the operative words, and not because Christopher is dead. It was no secret they barley tolerated each other the last 10 years he was alive. With Peter having a much more conservative and directly religious views.

Wish we had here in 2023. Wonderfully insightful man.

I find it so upsetting that this interview has been viewed by so few people.

@neilrafferty2097

4 жыл бұрын

Jared Probably because he’s above the level of most peoples understanding. (Including mine)

@jjavodelb

4 жыл бұрын

@@neilrafferty2097 very sad

@lightningtwostrikes4317

4 жыл бұрын

I've seen it 👍

@zootsoot2006

3 жыл бұрын

Almost a million people? Not quite pewdiepie standards I'll grant you but probably more people than have read his books, which is more upsetting.

@chevinbarghest8453

3 жыл бұрын

The intelligentsia will alwys be small minority, however its very existence in the UK and the US, is all that makes my residence in Wisconsin possible..

miss you Hitch

@alexanderw.1003

5 жыл бұрын

Very sad, that he didn't find to Jesus.

@xxMrBaldyxx

5 жыл бұрын

​@@alexanderw.1003 I have read the Bible. And I quickly decided that it is almost certainly a work of fiction.

@1wannabee1

4 жыл бұрын

@@xxMrBaldyxx ALL religion is 'Fiction'! (did you NOT know that?) DUH

@1wannabee1

4 жыл бұрын

@@alexanderw.1003 Have YOU ever found the end of a rainbow? (Pst! it simply does NOT exist) Pft

@joemcdonnell2436

4 жыл бұрын

Did you know him well Shawn,how close were you guys,sorry for your loss

Listening to this man really makes me think about things in a different way, wish he was still with us. His search for truth and critical thinking will be his legacy.

Christopher It’s been such a pleasure to hear your debates. I’m an Englishman and I’m always amazed by the vocabulary and your intellect. Shame we lost you

Hitchens' book, God Is Not Great, is one of the most important books I've ever read. All at once seriously informative, funny, sad, and angry. Not only does he answer our questions about the existence of God, but he also teaches us to think. Hitchens connects with the reader on a deep level while he entertains us with his unmatched wit. It should be required reading for all high school students. I miss him terribly, and as others have said we need him now to guide us and help us resist the current fascist movement here in the US.

@ralphdavidson9542

3 ай бұрын

Try his brother's retort, The Rage Against God", also a great read.

Even after all these years, I still can't believe that we live in a world without Hitchens.

@EvilSean62

2 жыл бұрын

i was arguing the point of atheism not being anti god and hitch came up in my mind ... he is still very much with me ... ironically almost religiously

@barracuda7018

2 жыл бұрын

@@EvilSean62 Every intellectual misses him greatly. Nobody could replace him, 10 years after his departure nobody came even close.

@BM-lw6gn

2 жыл бұрын

Had no idea who he was- was a suggestion in my feed and clicked and watched. So now next 8 hours read about him and watch more.

@sandfarmer892

2 жыл бұрын

I can. Look at the state of things. I long for someone with his intellect now. .

@EvilSean62

2 жыл бұрын

@@barracuda7018 never considered myself an intelectual ...my wife begs to differ ...this would explain the awkward silences when i ask questions about the tribalisation in football and the misuse of the word "important" in art and yes ... i did intentionally mis spell ...i do that a lot and it drives my mates crazy ( short drive)

A great man has passed but most of us can be assured that he is remembered with respect and admiration.

@DaveSCameron

2 жыл бұрын

And at the touch of a key Eternally, that's his gift.

A man of considerable integrity and honesty

My vocabulary improves with every minute I watch of this man

"In case you are watching this, and you ever wondered whether to write to anyone, always do, because you’d be surprised by how much of a difference it can make.” - Christopher Hitchens 28:14 I couldn't agree more!

@Scaraptor619

3 жыл бұрын

What does he say after that? I quite couldn’t catch the exact words but I really wish to know You will be surprised by how much ....??

@ricardocoutinho92

3 жыл бұрын

@@Scaraptor619 im wondering too

@CharlesBrown-zg8fd

3 жыл бұрын

@@Scaraptor619 how much difference it can make

@johnlewis1640

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, kind words unsaid can lead to great regret.

@Sinkete

3 жыл бұрын

He was so moved!

I am 55yo man and not shy to say this interview makes me cry. This man..... we need him so much right now. My life was changed because of listening to him, I am so much happier and at peace because of him teaching me how to think.

@OneAdam12Adam

2 жыл бұрын

I have been impacted by him as well. Even as a teenager, I loved how he stood up to people.

@jonathonrobinson7236

Жыл бұрын

I find it striking that proof exists about Jesus from unbiased sources outside of the Bible. Some of these writers have provided direct evidence of Christians, while others have provided indirect evidence of the existence of Jesus and of His crucifixion. The writings of these writers offer a peek into the current events taking place from the late first century to the late second century. I find difficulty in downplaying or explaining away these writers' writings on the account of the prestige and social position they held, and the disdain illustrated in some of their writing. Tacitus, The Greatest Roman historian, and senator Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judæa, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. He then describes the torture of Christians: Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired. Nero offered his gardens for the spectacle, and was exhibiting a show in the circus, while he mingled with the people in the dress of a charioteer or stood aloft on a car. Hence, even for criminals who deserved extreme and exemplary punishment, there arose a feeling of compassion; for it was not, as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut one man’s cruelty, that they were being destroyed. Mara Bar-Serapion, He was a Syrian philosopher, who wrote a letter to his son sometime after AD 73. There is only one manuscript of his letter in existence and preserved in the British Museum. "What advantage did the Athenians gain from putting Socrates to death? Famine and plague came upon them as a judgment for their crime. What advantage did the men of Samos gain from burning Pythagoras? In a moment their land was covered with sand. What advantage did the Jews gain from executing their wise King? It was just after that that their kingdom was abolished. God justly avenged these three wise men: the Athenians died of hunger; the Samians were overwhelmed by the sea; the Jews, ruined and driven from their land, live in complete dispersion. But Socrates did not die for good; he lived on in the statue of Hera. Nor did the wise King die for good; he lived on in the teaching which he had given." Lucian, "The Christians, you know, worship a man to this day-the distinguished personage who introduced their novel rites, and was crucified on that account. … You see, these misguided creatures start with the general conviction that they are immortal for all time, which explains their contempt of death and voluntary self-devotion which are so common among them; and then it was impressed on them by their original lawgiver that they are all brothers, from the moment that they are converted, and deny the gods of Greece, and worship the crucified sage, and live after his laws. All this they take quite on faith, with the result that they despise all worldly goods alike, regarding them merely as common property." Pliny the Younger, Is another valuable historical source for information on Jesus and the early Church. Pliny was the governor of the Roman province of Bithynia, located in Asia Minor. In the year 112 AD, he wrote to the Emperor Trajan, asking how he should deal with those in his region who have been accused of being Christians. In the letter, Pliny describes the practices of these “criminals”: “They were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called upon to deliver it up; after which it was their custom to separate, and then reassemble to partake of food-but food of an ordinary and innocent kind.” Flavius Josephus, Jewish Historian Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works-a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day. Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, Was a Roman historian and court official during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. As the Jews were making constant disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus, he expelled them from Rome. Punishment by Nero was inflicted on the Christians, a class of men given to a new and mischievous superstition. Thallus, a secular historian Unreasonably of course, because a solar eclipse could not take place at the time of the full moon, and it was at the season of the Paschal full moon that Christ died. Phlegon of Tralles, was a Greek writer During the time of Tiberius Caesar, an eclipse of the sun occurred during the full moon". Julius Africanus, wrote around AD 221 He quotes Tallus' comments about the darkness that enveloped the land during the late afternoon hours when Jesus died on the cross: Tallus, in the third book of his histories. (Julius Africanus also quoting Phelgon of Tralles, Chronography, 18.1)

@jonathonrobinson7236

Жыл бұрын

Have you wondered if there was any “proof” of the miracles of Jesus, outside the Bible (and outside of the writings of believers)? There are documents in which these writers provided us with evidence that Jesus worked miracles, but in writing, intended to downplay belief in such miracles. The first comes from the Babylonian Talmud 43a. Babylonian Talmud (late first or second century AD) Babylonian Sanhedrin43a-b “On the eve of the Passover they hanged Yeshu and the herald went before him for forty days saying [Yeshu] is going forth to be stoned in that he hate practiced sorcery and beguiled and led astray Israel. Here Jesus is accused of sorcery, in obvious parallel with the charge leveled in Matthew 12:22-23. The writer of the Talmud does not agree that Jesus worked bona fide miracles, but he reports that he did things which, to the enemy of Jesus could only be written off as sorcery. In the very early century AD Jewish literature, in "tHul 2:22-23" it is reported that healings were done in the name of Jesus. So we have indirect confirmation of the crucifixion of Jesus and of his working of public miracles-only charging that the miracles were worked by Satan, not God. Flavius Josephus, Jewish Historian Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works-a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day. Celsus was a Greek writer in the second century who criticized Christianity as a threat to the stable communities and worldview that the "pagan" religious and social system sought to uphold. His work as a whole has been lost, but when the third-century theologian Origen sought to answer Celsus' charges in a work appropriately called Against Celsus, he preserved most of Celsus' criticisms. Origen's replies are certainly worth reading in their own right, but the following excerpt is chosen in order to show how a thoughtful "pagan" viewed Christianity. [Celsus] accuses [Jesus] of having "invented his birth from a virgin," and upbraids Him with being "born in a certain Jewish village, of a poor woman of the country, who gained her subsistence by spinning, and who was turned out of doors by her husband, a carpenter by trade, because she was convicted of adultery; that after being driven away by her husband, and wandering about for a time, she disgracefully gave birth to Jesus, an illegitimate child, who having hired himself out as a servant in Egypt on account of his poverty, and having there acquired some miraculous powers, on which the Egyptians greatly pride themselves, returned to his own country, highly elated on account of them, and by means of these proclaimed himself a God."... The point I would make from this material in the Jewish Talmud from the late first century is that it proves that Jesus was a person they felt they had to deal with and that it was sufficiently common knowledge that he worked signs and wonders that they felt they had to address this by claiming that Jesus did his miracles by the power of Satan (sorcery). Does this “prove” that Jesus worked miracles? Maybe or maybe not. What it proves is that many in his day were convinced that he worked miracles and that his enemies were aware of sufficient positive evidence of this that they felt they needed to explain it. In summary, the request for “proof” in written documents that Jesus did in fact work miracles from non-believers is, logically, a very high bar indeed. We can assume that most of those who witnessed his miracles either came to believe in him or found ways to explain away what they saw. In fact, I believe that it is striking that we have these two documented examples of non-Christians feeling the need to explain what seems to have been common knowledge that there was much reason to believe Jesus worked miracles. This does indeed corroborate the accounts of miracles and wonders performed by Jesus in the Bible.

@stevewright4576

Жыл бұрын

@@jonathonrobinson7236 All nonsense, there is no god or heaven or hell, it's all man made because we're afraid of the dark, afraid to die.

@jonathonrobinson7236

Жыл бұрын

@@stevewright4576 Those who knew Jesus wasn't afraid to die. They couldn't wait to die after He appeared to them after His resurrection.

This is a remarkable interview. I think Paxman was close to tears at several points- Hitchens respected him enough to answer with a brutal honesty that I think surprised Paxman.

@Chimera_166

Жыл бұрын

Seeing the world in the scopes of atheism is a scary realization and I've to commend all these smart intellectuals that publicly announce and defend it

@jonathonrobinson7236

Жыл бұрын

I find it striking that proof exists about Jesus from unbiased sources outside of the Bible. Some of these writers have provided direct evidence of Christians, while others have provided indirect evidence of the existence of Jesus and of His crucifixion. The writings of these writers offer a peek into the current events taking place from the late first century to the late second century. I find difficulty in downplaying or explaining away these writers' writings on the account of the prestige and social position they held, and the disdain illustrated in some of their writing. Tacitus, The Greatest Roman historian, and senator Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judæa, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. He then describes the torture of Christians: Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired. Nero offered his gardens for the spectacle, and was exhibiting a show in the circus, while he mingled with the people in the dress of a charioteer or stood aloft on a car. Hence, even for criminals who deserved extreme and exemplary punishment, there arose a feeling of compassion; for it was not, as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut one man’s cruelty, that they were being destroyed. Mara Bar-Serapion, He was a Syrian philosopher, who wrote a letter to his son sometime after AD 73. There is only one manuscript of his letter in existence and preserved in the British Museum. "What advantage did the Athenians gain from putting Socrates to death? Famine and plague came upon them as a judgment for their crime. What advantage did the men of Samos gain from burning Pythagoras? In a moment their land was covered with sand. What advantage did the Jews gain from executing their wise King? It was just after that that their kingdom was abolished. God justly avenged these three wise men: the Athenians died of hunger; the Samians were overwhelmed by the sea; the Jews, ruined and driven from their land, live in complete dispersion. But Socrates did not die for good; he lived on in the statue of Hera. Nor did the wise King die for good; he lived on in the teaching which he had given." Lucian, "The Christians, you know, worship a man to this day-the distinguished personage who introduced their novel rites, and was crucified on that account. … You see, these misguided creatures start with the general conviction that they are immortal for all time, which explains their contempt of death and voluntary self-devotion which are so common among them; and then it was impressed on them by their original lawgiver that they are all brothers, from the moment that they are converted, and deny the gods of Greece, and worship the crucified sage, and live after his laws. All this they take quite on faith, with the result that they despise all worldly goods alike, regarding them merely as common property." Pliny the Younger, Is another valuable historical source for information on Jesus and the early Church. Pliny was the governor of the Roman province of Bithynia, located in Asia Minor. In the year 112 AD, he wrote to the Emperor Trajan, asking how he should deal with those in his region who have been accused of being Christians. In the letter, Pliny describes the practices of these “criminals”: “They were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called upon to deliver it up; after which it was their custom to separate, and then reassemble to partake of food-but food of an ordinary and innocent kind.” Flavius Josephus, Jewish Historian Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works-a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day. Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, Was a Roman historian and court official during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. As the Jews were making constant disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus, he expelled them from Rome. Punishment by Nero was inflicted on the Christians, a class of men given to a new and mischievous superstition. Thallus, a secular historian Unreasonably of course, because a solar eclipse could not take place at the time of the full moon, and it was at the season of the Paschal full moon that Christ died. Phlegon of Tralles, was a Greek writer During the time of Tiberius Caesar, an eclipse of the sun occurred during the full moon". Julius Africanus, wrote around AD 221 He quotes Tallus' comments about the darkness that enveloped the land during the late afternoon hours when Jesus died on the cross: Tallus, in the third book of his histories. (Julius Africanus also quoting Phelgon of Tralles, Chronography, 18.1)

@jonathonrobinson7236

Жыл бұрын

Have you wondered if there was any “proof” of the miracles of Jesus, outside the Bible (and outside of the writings of believers)? There are documents in which these writers provided us with evidence that Jesus worked miracles, but in writing, intended to downplay belief in such miracles. The first comes from the Babylonian Talmud 43a. Babylonian Talmud (late first or second century AD) Babylonian Sanhedrin43a-b “On the eve of the Passover they hanged Yeshu and the herald went before him for forty days saying [Yeshu] is going forth to be stoned in that he hate practiced sorcery and beguiled and led astray Israel. Here Jesus is accused of sorcery, in obvious parallel with the charge leveled in Matthew 12:22-23. The writer of the Talmud does not agree that Jesus worked bona fide miracles, but he reports that he did things which, to the enemy of Jesus could only be written off as sorcery. In the very early century AD Jewish literature, in "tHul 2:22-23" it is reported that healings were done in the name of Jesus. So we have indirect confirmation of the crucifixion of Jesus and of his working of public miracles-only charging that the miracles were worked by Satan, not God. Flavius Josephus, Jewish Historian Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works-a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day. Celsus was a Greek writer in the second century who criticized Christianity as a threat to the stable communities and worldview that the "pagan" religious and social system sought to uphold. His work as a whole has been lost, but when the third-century theologian Origen sought to answer Celsus' charges in a work appropriately called Against Celsus, he preserved most of Celsus' criticisms. Origen's replies are certainly worth reading in their own right, but the following excerpt is chosen in order to show how a thoughtful "pagan" viewed Christianity. [Celsus] accuses [Jesus] of having "invented his birth from a virgin," and upbraids Him with being "born in a certain Jewish village, of a poor woman of the country, who gained her subsistence by spinning, and who was turned out of doors by her husband, a carpenter by trade, because she was convicted of adultery; that after being driven away by her husband, and wandering about for a time, she disgracefully gave birth to Jesus, an illegitimate child, who having hired himself out as a servant in Egypt on account of his poverty, and having there acquired some miraculous powers, on which the Egyptians greatly pride themselves, returned to his own country, highly elated on account of them, and by means of these proclaimed himself a God."... The point I would make from this material in the Jewish Talmud from the late first century is that it proves that Jesus was a person they felt they had to deal with and that it was sufficiently common knowledge that he worked signs and wonders that they felt they had to address this by claiming that Jesus did his miracles by the power of Satan (sorcery). Does this “prove” that Jesus worked miracles? Maybe or maybe not. What it proves is that many in his day were convinced that he worked miracles and that his enemies were aware of sufficient positive evidence of this that they felt they needed to explain it. In summary, the request for “proof” in written documents that Jesus did in fact work miracles from non-believers is, logically, a very high bar indeed. We can assume that most of those who witnessed his miracles either came to believe in him or found ways to explain away what they saw. In fact, I believe that it is striking that we have these two documented examples of non-Christians feeling the need to explain what seems to have been common knowledge that there was much reason to believe Jesus worked miracles. This does indeed corroborate the accounts of miracles and wonders performed by Jesus in the Bible.

@brianlamey7291

Жыл бұрын

This fella is super intelligent, thanx Mr Hitchins

@horzathirteen

Жыл бұрын

@@jonathonrobinson7236 I can't begin to imagine what Jesus would have been capable of if he'd had your powers of copy & paste.

What a truly wonderful man. He will never know the true meaning he has offered to do so many and it is with regret that he’ll never know what his words have meant to me. Indeed, I can only wish his family my best wishes. What an incredible man. RIP

Quite possibly the best interviewer I’ve ever heard in my lifetime. And worthy of interviewing the most important voice of our time.

@lightbeing8174

2 жыл бұрын

Listen to the 6 voices of annelise michel.

@jerrygmarchantmarchant141

2 жыл бұрын

I hope Thomas soul doesn't have to die to be recognized

A huge loss. One of the great thinkers of our age.

@aspergianheteroclite3014

5 жыл бұрын

Sophist, not thinker.

@colinwoods9601

5 жыл бұрын

The Aspergian Heteroclite You’re incapable of knowing (as is everyone) if he’s wrong about the existence of God, but it’s impossible to argue that he’s mistaken about religion.

@matthewblackwell3710

5 жыл бұрын

@@colinwoods9601 but then surely the rebuttal is your statement?

@xxMrBaldyxx

5 жыл бұрын

@@aspergianheteroclite3014 I doubt you know what the word _sophist_ even means.

@aspergianheteroclite3014

5 жыл бұрын

someone who, like a religious individual, appeals to people's emotions in the way he talks.

His paired debate with Stephen Fry is compelling .He had a unique and brilliant intellect .

He absolutely nailed how i would better describe my own experience of cancer. Not surprisingly for Christopher Hitchens, to be so eloquent. Thank you sir.

It's my sincere hope that when it comes to face my own passing I can muster this level of courage

Imagine having Hitchens for these crazy times.

@mitch8220

3 жыл бұрын

Is ok we’ve got Peter hahahahaha

@MaggotDiggo1

3 жыл бұрын

@@mitch8220 Welp.

@joesmoke9624

3 жыл бұрын

😴

@TomPark1986

3 жыл бұрын

I FUCKING wish. We have Peterson and Saad who are both amazing.

@jonathonrobinson7236

3 жыл бұрын

You're stuck on stupid, move on with your life. Hitchens is gone on to eternal torment and anguish(Hell)

Great human being. I wish you were still around.

Paxman is the only interviewer of Hitchens I have seen, who is equal to the task.

When i was 15, I came across Hitch, on KZread. His rhetoric scared me like nothing else, because he was making sense. My Faith was shaken, and I was certain I would go to hell for being convinced. Thanks hitch, for planting the some well needed seeds of doubt.

@jaysterling26

3 жыл бұрын

Hope you now enjoy sinning as much as the rest of us. I'm being a saint today though with my salad & uncustomary iced coffee ( usually wine). Cheers!

@biffii5568

3 жыл бұрын

@@jaysterling26 haha, yes. Luckily my parents aren't hyper religious just (very) religious, and we have learned to co exist with our very different beliefs.

@TheeMrAbz

3 жыл бұрын

If you had doubt after listening to hitchens once , then I would say your faith was never strong in the first place. If it was shaken that easily.

@peterweeds4682

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheeMrAbz Poor logic, founded on an un-evidenced belief. The ills of humanity in a nutshell.

@TheeMrAbz

3 жыл бұрын

@@peterweeds4682 in the end you will see the truth . No point arguing with you over youtube

When Jeremy Paxman gets along with his interviewees he is so lovely almost comforting. But when he interviews politicians, boy does he unravel

@xxMrBaldyxx

5 жыл бұрын

this was one of the rare occasions where Paxman actually did a good interview

@berniebasset9465

4 жыл бұрын

@@xxMrBaldyxx You clearly haven't watched many.

@1wannabee1

4 жыл бұрын

RARE? You CANT be serious? (:

@doubtingthomas736

4 жыл бұрын

There's a slight difference between interviewing someone whose brain can just about handle speech, and someone with the brain the size of a planet! 😂... Mr Hitchens was a genius, and that's saying summat.... coming from a Yorkshireman!

@barrybarry9714

3 жыл бұрын

I saw Paxman interview corrupt tory mps who had lost their seats in 1997. I stood up and clapped.

For me, one of the best conversations with Christopher Hitchens.

What a gift to be able to follow in his insights so many years after his death.

Gone almost 10 years, but I still have the need to come back and touch the genius that is Hitch..

@geoffpulham5032

3 жыл бұрын

Bless you. I know what you mean. He understood what it means to stick to one's principles, and debate always from that point. He was true to himself in every moment and I wish I could have been like that. I miss him desperately.

@terryg3243

3 жыл бұрын

So true, words of wisdom..

@mchristhomas

3 жыл бұрын

I think Ricky Gervais has a great take on religion but I can't get past the frivolous...🤔

@mchristhomas

3 жыл бұрын

@Gary Fletcher f**k off you fool.

@mchristhomas

3 жыл бұрын

@Gary Fletcher yeah, don't worry about me mate - I'll be fine. Worry about your own god, leave the rest of us alone troll.

I’m still so sad he’s no longer here. I wish I’d written to him when I had the chance and I promise it wouldn’t have been to cheer him up. It would have been sincere appreciation for his impact.

@matt.willoughby

3 жыл бұрын

Write to his brother, heaven knows he could use some cheering up.

@lejlanuhanovic5700

3 жыл бұрын

@@matt.willoughby i don't know about writing to the brother. but his son is a university lecturer dealing with radicalization. I would rather write to him. look him up.

@agenttriplea1937

3 жыл бұрын

Snap !

@jonathonrobinson7236

3 жыл бұрын

No need to be sad when Jesus has always been there for us.

@MrThecarebear

2 жыл бұрын

@@jonathonrobinson7236 What bollocks!

Just" discovered" him last week and find him so compelling. As with many, I wish I had been aware of him much, much earlier. Even more so, how I wish he was still alive..the world needs minds and communication like Christopher.

@dustinf49

10 ай бұрын

You are on the correct path, in my opinion.

@MLaak86

10 ай бұрын

while he did have flaws like any other mammal he did communicate his meaning plainly.

@NunyaBusinessAudits

10 ай бұрын

I found him after his passing and 7 years after watching my first video I still find content I've not seen. Welcome to an awesome learning journey. His debates are better as you can learn both sides of the argument .

@dustinf49

10 ай бұрын

@@NunyaBusinessAuditsAbsolutely! Well spoken.

@debbieallen8396

7 ай бұрын

I met him. He was awesome in person... feet away... at the podium at a humanist conference in 2008. He had a mastery of words that thrilled and delighted me. And still do. I'm so sorry we lost him.

Man ,I miss this guy! Need him now more than ever!

@kevinmoore2696

4 ай бұрын

Why?

@ScottRoberts-el2jn

4 ай бұрын

@@kevinmoore2696 If you have to ask why, then no answer would suffice for you!

@kevinmoore2696

4 ай бұрын

Would he end Covid? Would he end a war? Would he end men competing in women's sports?

The most eloquent and enlightening interview I have ever observed.

One of the best debater, orator, educator and author of our time. I wish he was still around today. He made a big impact to my life, miss him very much.

@chrisddonn

3 жыл бұрын

Me too, me too....

@jonathonrobinson7236

3 жыл бұрын

What is the best debater, orator, educator, and author of our time going to accomplish in the afterlife? This is what God says will happen to those who have rejected Jesus to follow satan, "Depart from Me, you workers of iniquity, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels". Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

@disct1597

3 жыл бұрын

@@jonathonrobinson7236 He accomplished a lot during his informative life and that’s what matters the most! You believe in Jesus Christianity and hell and that’s your belief and obviously helps you with your life but this has no meaning or sense to me. Good luck to you in the afterlife though 😌

@MrYFlyer

3 жыл бұрын

@@jonathonrobinson7236 a deity wanting homage?

@jonathonrobinson7236

3 жыл бұрын

@@disct1597 Oh, you're playing the, ignorance is bliss, game. My friend, consequences come with ignorance.

Wow, the emotion at the end was so telling, the appreciation of the human word from others really got to him. Rest in peace Christopher. What an amazing man

@athonyhiggins3117

2 жыл бұрын

Science is not able to explain emotions

@jimjoe9945

2 жыл бұрын

Where is he resting?

@phreak761

2 жыл бұрын

@@athonyhiggins3117 Yes it is 😂😂😂😂

@MrGrahameg

Жыл бұрын

Why would he rest in peace? Which is a religious statement given to those who lived for Christ faithfully and suffered the affliction of the world . Now whether you believe that or not, you cannot attribute that to this man. Neither would he wish to hear it from you.

Having only discovered this amazing man in the last year all I have to say is he should be compulsory teaching at every university. A truest great man.

@2msvalkyrie529

3 жыл бұрын

The poor man's Bertrand Russell.

@thomasowens5824

2 жыл бұрын

@@2msvalkyrie529 Oh no, you could of said, the Modern mans Bertrand Russell but even then, two very different people and there was nothing poor or sub par about Hitch.