Point 2 Pinnacle 2011

[Sweder]

Hitchens? I'm not worthy to charge his laptop, but I do appreciate the context.
I've read a few pieces about CH this week, one of the best by his equally erudite, idealogically juxtaposed sibling, Peter. I'm ashamed to say I've read hardly anything 'Hitch' wrote but plan on rectifying that this week, starting with a compendium of his essays and working up to God Is Not Great. YouTube abounds with clips of him in debate with various theologians including our God-fearing former leader Tony Blair. Fascinating, all the more so for Hitchens's ability to come across (at times) as deeply unlikeable yet infuriatingly right.

The contrasts between Hitch and HST are fascinating. Both men were driven by unshakable self belief in their views and abilities, yet whilst one agonised over his writing to the point of constipation the other appeared to write as easily as most of us draw breath. Hitchens's editor at Vanity Fair said he always filed copy on time, often early, irrespective of his frequent, infamous nocturnal escapades. No staring at the screen until beeds of blood formed on his forehead for Hitch. Thompson would surely have envied his ability to pour out a piece, perfectly formed and ready for print, at the end of a night of elephantine ribaldry. I guess having the courage of your convictions, absolute certainty in your position, helps. Doubt rarely if ever dampened Christopher's ardour.

Perhaps the one thing we had/ have in common is when the need to write strikes we can download volumes instantly. Thereafter the divide yawns as impossibly vast and deep as the Grand Canyon itself.

So. 2013 then ....