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 — 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.
If you do what you were born to do, I think you will never grow old.
The easiest way to solve a problem is to deny it exists.
There is giant untapped potential in disagreement, especially if the disagreement is between two or more thoughtful people
Abstracted hatred is incredibly potent. There's never the risk of having it challenged by the reality of living human beings.
Everyone goes through adversity in life, but what matters is how you learn from it.
It is simply this: do not tire, never lose interest, never grow indifferent—lose your invaluable curiosity and you let yourself die. It's as simple as that.
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