We admire elephants in part because they demonstrate what we consider the finest human traits: empathy, self-awareness, and social intelligence. But the way we treat them puts on display the very worst of human behavior.
Graydon CarterRead
Christopher Hitchens was a wit, a charmer, and a troublemaker, and to those who knew him well, he was a gift from - dare I say it - God.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the multifaceted nature of Christopher Hitchens, emphasizing his charm, wit, and the joy he brought to those who knew him.
Graydon Carter's quote encapsulates the essence of Christopher Hitchens as a remarkable individual who combined intellect with humor, drawing people to him with an infectious personality. It also hints at a deeper appreciation of friendship and the unique gifts that certain individuals bring to our lives, likening Hitchens to a divine blessing for those fortunate enough to have known him intimately.
Themes
FriendshipWitCharmTroublemakerGiftAppreciation
In practice
Example use cases
In a eulogy remembering a close friend who passed away.
More from Graydon Carter
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When I was young, I expected from people more than they could give: neverending friendship and constant excitement. Now I expect less than they can actually can give: to stay close silently. And their feelings, friendship, noble deeds always seem like a miracle to me: a true grace.
Albert CamusRead
I think they ought to know. You do them a disservice by not confiding something this important to them.β βI didnβt want ββ ββ to worry or frighten them?β said Dumbledore, surveying Harry over the top of his half-moon spectacles. βOr perhaps, to confess that you yourself are worried and frightened? You need your friends, Harry. As you so rightly said, Sirius would not have wanted you to shut yourself away.
J. K. RowlingRead
You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wove my webs for you because I liked you. After all, what's a life, anyway? We're born, we live a little while, we die. A spider's life can't help being something of a mess, with all this trapping and eating flies. By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone's life can stand a little of that.
E. B. WhiteRead
Friendship is a sheltering tree.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
Of all the things which wisdom provides to make us entirely happy, much the greatest is the possession of friendship.
EpicurusRead
Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.
C. S. LewisRead