Never be a spectator of unfairness or stupidity. Seek out argument and disputation for their own sake; the grave will supply plenty of time for silence.
Interpretation
Engage in discussions and debates about injustice and ignorance instead of remaining passive.
In this quote, Christopher Hitchens emphasizes the importance of not remaining a passive observer in the face of unfairness or foolishness. He encourages individuals to actively engage in conversations, arguments, and debates to challenge wrongful ideas and behaviors, implying that life is too short to remain silent when one can advocate for truth and justice. The mention of the 'grave' serves as a reminder that there will always be time for silence after death; thus, we should use our voices effectively while we are alive.
In practice
In a discussion about social justice, this quote can serve as motivation to speak up against unfair practices.
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.
Emotions are a source of power, and that's what science tells us. But many people I encounter have been led to think of emotions as a source of weakness.
Experience is a good school. But the fees are high.
The years after 50 can be a time of great productivity, meaningful work, pleasure, creativity, and innovation. It's a huge opportunity.
What happened to the writer is not what matters; what matters is the large sense that the writer is able to make of what happened.
There are two ways of exerting one's strength: one is pushing down, the other is pulling up.
It looks as if there were a single ultimate goal for mankind, a far goal toward which all persons strive. This is called variously by different authors self-actualization, self-realization, integration, psychological health, individuation, autonomy, creativity, productivity, but they all agree that this amounts to realizing the potentialities of the person, that is to say, becoming fully human, everything that person can be.
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