Customer Reviews

Letters to a Young Contrarian

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1 star:		(2)

 

 

It's easy to forget sometimes, based on the flair and panache he exudes on the television screen, just how educated Christopher Hitchens actually is. In this book, you'll be treated to a lifetime's worth of insight and scholarship as he provides the reader with some of the best citations you'll ever come across, including, "Here I stand I can do no other" by Martin Luther.

Hitchens is a contrarian but these Letters will appeal to anyone as they are the celebration of the mind via reason. When he first heard "the personal is political," he knew it was poison and he rails against the emotional approach to deciding issues in these pages. I am very glad he did. I couldn't help but think what I've thought about him so many times, "This is such a brave man."

Regardless of what one believes regarding his arguments and positions, the author always puts forth sound rationale for why he thinks the way he does. His critique of conformists is absolutely precious and I would be only too happy to give this book to any young person. It's an education in itself.

Two criticisms of this book have been 1. it does not address practical topics of todays politics and 2. Hitchens has a large ego and wants to be Gore Vidal. What is truly inspiring about this book is that it is not an argument on current affairs. You can get this from a newspaper. I find Hitchens fascinating because he is one of the few writers who courageously tries to change how you think and not just your opinion on an issue. In fact Hitchens states that "how" and not "what" you think is what is truly important.

As for point number 2 regarding Gore Vidal and the authors ego I have no idea where this comment comes from in fact the Hitchens is self-deprecating in several parts of the book.

I have read the book three times now and to me it is a concise and powerful argument for why we need people who are what Hitchens calls "apart" (think differently). In fact my favorite part of the book is a discussion around the folly in trying to create consensus. You always need a cadre of strong viewpoints to reach a good decision.

When reading some reviews I wonder if readers have read the book or have simply pigeonholed Hitchen's work and want to discredit him. I would highly recommend this book who sincerely wants to change how they think but people like this are few. As Hitchens points out many of our institutions, particularly religious institutions actually ask that you "check your intellect at the door" and listen to the wise person or book of wisdom. This subtle imposed ignorance keeps the masses in a haze but sufficienty free to do the bidding of its leaders, however, harmful they may be.

I see a great service that Hitchens offers us which is the constant questioning of the existence of any large institution in the world whether it be government, religous, or business.

This is a simple and elegant series of letters written to a hypothetical student. Only a cynical could fail to admire and value Christopher Hitchens' "Letters to a Young Contrarian". This short book contains all the advice a student of twenty first century society should want or need. We get a marvelously unadulterated dose of the author's hortative aesthetics. Every letter is marked with a characteristic polish that creates a pedagogical elegance.

The book is written as a series of letters which are timely and timeless.

I bought this book as a gift for a young writer and journalist. I read it before giving it as a gift. I am very pleased with it as a gift and hope that the advice falls on fertile soil. I am also very pleased with the book as advice for my own personal causes.

These letters continue to be a priceless source of insight and wisdom as the student continues to evolve as an activist. We can all see ourselves in these wonderful words and we can witness what we aspire to be.

These letters fill the reader with hope. There is hope that society can evolve to a rational enlightenment. Hope is alive and we are not doomed to repeat all the follies of history.

What impressed me so much was the incredible precision and care in each of the letters. The commitment to explore the unconventional and contrary positions is a commitment to personal integrity. This commitment is a social contract that is a prerequisite to democracy and to civilization.

The author's choice of examples and counter examples clearly illustrate his intention to inspire the next generation of social thinkers.

I highly recommend this book to every person who wants to become an agent of change. It will probably be more useful to aspiring journalists, scientists, mathematicians and writers. People who simply enjoy the wonder of reasoned inquiry will delight in the book also.

The advice can hardly be paraphrased with any justice to the subject in a short review. For the most part, the author be gives advice about being eternally vigilant and persistent in the face of unrelenting opposition. There is no limit to human anti-intellectualism so there must be no limit to reason. Patiently embrace the struggle and make it your own. Understand that the sources of irrationality and prejudice are petty, private, archaic and primeval urges.

All of these things he discusses with incredible wisdom and lucidity. The author centers, assures and illuminates the student.

What a delight this book turned out to be. Buy a copy of this book for every young person you care about. They can read it again and again to gain insight and create a purposeful life. Some young people will cynically dismiss the relevance of the message, but no one who reads it can miss the message. Life on autopilot, accepting standards and norms without reason, is to life without human purpose.

Even the most cynical alive person can give pause to enjoy this wonderful collection of sweepingly thought provoking letters.

The author says to "Do justice, and let the skies fall." This leads to a calling of confrontation, argument, and troublemaking. The author advocates a life of being perpetually at odds with the mainstream. "Humanity is very much in debt to such people."

I highly recommend this book.

This is a simple and elegant series of letters written to a hypothetical student. Only a cynical could fail to admire and value Christopher Hitchens' "Letters to a Young Contrarian". This short book contains all the advice a student of twenty first century society should want or need. We get a marvelously unadulterated dose of the author's hortative aesthetics. Every letter is marked with a characteristic polish that creates a pedagogical elegance.

The book is written as a series of letters which are timely and timeless.

I bought this book as a gift for a young writer and journalist. I read it before giving it as a gift. I am very pleased with it as a gift and hope that the advice falls on fertile soil. I am also very pleased with the book as advice for my own personal causes.

These letters continue to be a priceless source of insight and wisdom as the student continues to evolve as an activist. We can all see ourselves in these wonderful words and we can witness what we aspire to be.

These letters fill the reader with hope. There is hope that society can evolve to a rational enlightenment. Hope is alive and we are not doomed to repeat all the follies of history.

What impressed me so much was the incredible precision and care in each of the letters. The commitment to explore the unconventional and contrary positions is a commitment to personal integrity. This commitment is a social contract that is prerequisite to democracy and to civilization.

The author's choice of examples and counter examples clearly illustrate his intention to inspire the next generation of social thinkers.

I highly recommend this book to every person who wants to become an agent of change. It will probably be more useful to aspiring journalists, scientists, mathematicians and writers. People who simply enjoy the wonder of reasoned inquiry will delight in the book also.

The advice can hardly be paraphrased with any justice to the subject in a short review. For the most part, the author be gives advice about being eternally vigilant and persistent in the face of unrelenting opposition. There is no limit to human anti-intellectualism so there must be no limit to reason. Patiently embrace the struggle and make it your own. Understand that the sources of irrationality and prejudice are petty, private, archaic and primeval urges.

All of these things he discusses with incredible wisdom and lucidity. The author centers, assures and illuminates the student.

What a delight this book turned out to be. Buy a copy of this book for every young person you care about. They can read it again and again to gain insight and create a purposeful life. Some young people will cynically dismiss the relevance of the message, but no one who reads it can miss the message. Life on autopilot, accepting standards and norms without reason, is to life without human purpose.

Even the most cynical alive person can give pause to enjoy this wonderful collection of sweepingly thought provoking letters.

The author says to "Do justice, and let the skies fall." This leads to a calling of confrontation, argument, and troublemaking. The author advocates a life of being perpetually at odds with the mainstream. "Humanity is very much in debt to such people."

I highly recommend this book.

It is hard to imagine many people giving unqualified support to Hitchens. He seems to relish the role of a contrarian. Lately, many on the Left have looked at him as a sellout. The Left icily received his condemnation of Clinton. His strong support of the intervention in Afghanistan after 9/11 labeled him as more hawk than dove. Yet, he is despised even more so by conservatives and especially by those in institutional power such as church leaders. His criticism of the Left is more than liberals wish, however his rebuke of the right is acrid. He has no love lost of tribe, religion, insular society, or politics that wrap themselves in the cloak of secrecy, security or jingoistic attitudes designed to promote sectarian action. Hitchens is his own man, a free thinker who uses his independence and intelligence to follow his instincts, his teachings and his sense of history. It is almost impossible to read his books, essays or articles without rallying around some aspect of his thoughts and simultaneously wringing your hands at something else that is seemingly absurd. Hitchens would not want it any other way. Those who wish dissension and division removed from the earth, he argues, have no idea that the alternative would be a boring, tedious world that many would wish to change even quicker.
In `Letters' Hitchens adopts the role of mentor to the next generation of radicals and revolutionaries. Before chastising him as a promoter of reactionary, knee-jerk radicalism, it is important to understand that his definition of radical and revolutionary is steeped in the belief that a responsible citizen has the right and indeed the duty to challenge conventional thinking and wisdom. He cites the time-honored fable of the boy and the unclothed emperor to argue this approach. Without a critical populous to check the decisions and thinking of those in power, society runs dangerously close to tyranny and fascism.
Many people look upon critics such as Hitchens as people who can never do anything. They can only tear down, destroy. This view is baldly simplistic and shows an abject ignorance of the role of the critic. If something is working well, there is no need to expound upon its virtue. The role of the critic is to change. The critic's energy must be channeled towards improving that which he views as broken.
Hitchens gives models to follow in pursuit of a true independent, critical life. He writes of the unpopular positions taken by people such as Emile Zola in his defense of Albert Dreyfuss to underscore the benefits of the principled stand. He lambastes the tendency of the uninformed to settle their views based on feelings rather than ideas. He scours the church and other institutions for applying narrow thoughts to a broad following.
Throughout the book, Hitchens cites the words of a myriad of authors. Some have labeled this as Hitchen's own unhealthy elitism but I think he has a nobler goal in mind. He is stressing the argument that the educated mind is the only proper mind. It is only through reading that we can unshackle the limits imposed by governments, regimes and those who would wish to impose ideas that may have a following in the emotional district, but fail when challenged with a logical, historical and educated defense. Unfortunately, we all too often cling to ideas that haven't been vetted against rigorous review.
I like Hitchens words. I don't like Hitchens words. This may be the finest commendation I can give him. He challenges me to break from political orthodoxy and view my world through a more independent lens. This is quite a challenge. Not everyone wishes to expend the energy necessary to walk this less traveled trail. However, I adhere to Frost's less-traveled road. It's a bit frightening. It's also honorable. And correct.

Ever felt a seething, internal rage at some action, or policy one of your colleagues or bosses at work has followed, knowing deep down it is unjust, yet not having the courage to speak out?

Ever perused a yearbook of your college alumni and felt weariness, leading to frustration, leading to pervasive misantropy at the tedious,humanity sapping remunerative careers your peers have been pursuing in the last few years (corporate lawyer, business consultant etc...).

Ever felt yourself standing apart from society in some way you can't quite pin down or articulate?

If so, then this is the book for you. A slim volume of some two dozen letters to X - a hypothetical person, presumably young given the title (though not necessarily - many great figures have only come to their contrarian stand late in life), who, as Hitch puts it, are one of the rare people in an era who 'feel themselves in some fashion to be apart'. And, he continues: 'it is not so much to say that humanity is very much in debt to such people, whether it chooses to acknowledge that debt or not. It's too much to expect to live in an age which is actually propituous for dissent.'

Indeed it is. Those who pursue the path of the contrarian are unlikely to be universally liked (think Mandela, Churchill, Vaclav Havel). They will certainly not have a smooth passage through life; they are unlikely to reach the top of a safe, professional career path. Quoting extensively from his political, scientific and literary heros, Hitchens examines great contrarians from history - Zola, a staunch defendant of individual liberty in the Dreyfus case (and murdered in his bed for his troubles), Martin Luther King - engaged in some vigorous fornication the night before his death. Great figures from history who have held steadfast to their convictions and not been coerced into going along with prevailing, unjust attitudes and thought patterns.

But, as Hitch says, being a contrarian is not something you do, it is something you are. There is no set career path. You don't have to be a great public intellectual - take the case of Rosa Parks, who, in 1960s Alabama, acted 'as if a hardworking black woman could sit down on a bus at the end of the day's labour'. Hitch valourises the qualities he thinks make for a contrarian - intellectual rigour, faith in one's own opinions, courage, wit, secular rationality; and he takes pot shots at long standing targets - religion, media critics and especially Bill Clinton, whose condemnation to death of a retarded man to win him votes in the 1992 electoral campaign is reprised in these pages. Yep, Hitch likes nothing better than to puncture liberal hypocrisy and sloppy, herd thinking - whether it be left or right wing.

This book is a tonic, a swift, heady menthol rub to the brain. The life of a contrarian is a tough one, you need fortitude and courage 'to keep your powder dry for the battles ahead'. This book will not give you all the answers (to expect answers is not to think in the manner of a contrarian - for it is how you think not what you think that counts), though at the end Hitchens identifies what he believes is the (immense) struggle of the next epoch - the fight to extend the concept of universal human rights, and to match the globalization of production by the globalization of a common standard for justice and ethics.

Read this book with care and close attention; it will clear away the cobwebs of your cognition, and re-confirm your resolve to engage clearly with the injustices of the world, however large or small.

This is another brilliant work by Hitchens. As I was reading this, I though I really should have read this in college. But soon realized, it's probably never too late to fight the good fight. Do yourself a favor and read this... Christopher Hitchens is always entertaining and enlightening.

Despite the attribution to Voltaire, the famous line `I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it' was probably never stated by him. Regardless of who said it, it is difficult to muster opposition, especially when concerning Christopher Hitchens. I can safely say I disagree with Hitchens on many issues but find it hard to personally criticize a man who clearly has no concern or regard for how others perceive his eloquently expressed opinions and positions. However, `Letters to a Young Contrarian' is not a work detailing Hitchens' views but rather an attempted explanation on what drives him to be a fighter against conventionality and tenaciously attack those he feels to be harming society. Written, as the title would suggest, in letter format, we see the one-way correspondence Hitchens engages with a student, eager to learn the art of contrarianism, a choice Hitchens warns which is consuming and often self-destructive. Uncharacteristic of Hitchens, he offers some rather poignant reflections of his own experience and offers no sugar for the consternation of serious readers. Nevertheless, the emphasis is that, regardless of the pain, `dark nights of the soul' or apparent lack of reward that are guaranteed to make up the life of a contrarian, it is life worth living and one which hopefully more people shall feel obliged into.
An excellent piece of writing which should offer valued mentoring for anyone, regardless of affiliated opinions, who is repulsed by the idea of staying silent.

To the lay person, at first this book can be a bit intimidating. He starts with a lot of strong ideas, and it is brilliantly written. Hitchens defines brilliant essayist. The writing is tight.

Most importantly, he adapts a structure from one of my other favorite books, Rainer Maria Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet. His intelligence and knowledge of ideas is remarkable.

Even if you do not agree with him on everything, this book is well worth reading! And as far as mentoring, he has encouraged and driven me to mentor a few of my own.

In his much better book Prepared for the Worst, Christopher Hitchens reviewed Norman Podhoretz's gruesome memoir Breaking Ranks, and noted among that book's many vices the way that it presented itself as an affected series of letters to Podhoretz's son. Now years later Hitchens himself has written a series of letters to an imaginary radical who wants good advice on how to be an intelligent principled radical. Well, anyone who really does want to be a principled radical could find worse guides than this one. In case anyone doesn't already know it, Hitchens reminds us that the essence of politics is vigorous controversy and not smothering consensus. One should also question the obvious, one should never be blackmailed by loyalty to one's own side into supporting the vicious, and one should be particularly contemptuous of religion. One should not be bullied by public opinion, one should always have libertarian prejudices, and one should be aware of the trap of identity politics. There are many admirable radicals who have an excellent sense of humor, and there are other admirable radicals who take their views with the proper seriousness. In the end Hitchens praises a radicalism, if not a socialism, that seeks a globalization of liberty, and a maximum of skepticism, indignation and self-criticism.

Well, good advice, at least most of it. But there is something lazy about the whole enterprise. Not only is the format artificial (couldn't Basic Books sprung for a real young contrarian?) but the style is as well. I might add that the absence of a real conversation only emphasizes the similarity to the Screwtape letters. There is one really fine passage in which Hitchens remembers about all the former political prisoners he met who have now been liberated. But then he reminds us that the Indian Socialist Fernandes, once Indira Gandhi's prisoner, is now the defense minister of a nuclear Hindu fundamentalist government, that President Havel is less than honest about the Czech republic's Gypsies, and President Mbeki is less than sane about AIDS.

Unfortunately the rest of this book is less self-critical, it has the odour of a smuggly swallowed sherry. It badly needs a spectre at its banquet. For a start, who does Hitchens think he is arguing against when he invokes Aeropygytica or On Liberty? (Hillary Clinton perhaps?) Twelve years ago Conor Cruise O'Brien noted a tendency of Hitchens to refer to other people in excessively chummy terms. And in this book this tendency is becoming a bit of a nuisance, as about twenty people are offhandedly referred to as Hitchens' friend. At one point Hitchens speaks of enthusiasm of Havel and Solzhensityn's idea that we act "as if" we already lived in a just society. Looking now at the grim state of Russia in 2001, I think its politics needs something more than the inspiring examples of these saints for six o'clock. And in rightly praising Michnik and Konrad, should not some mention be made of the fact that both Poland and Hungary have freely returned the ex-Communists to power? And while one would ordinarily be sympathetic to his bold support of controversy and partisanship in contrast to consensus and moderation, I distinctly recall such an angry column during the Clinton impeachment trial (Feb 15, 1999, The Nation). Maybe it's just me, but during a trial one expects, no demands, impartiality and neutrality from the jurors of a trial.

Since Hitchens' next major project is to be a new hagiography (sorry, biography) of Orwell, I might make some critical comments about his invocation as a model. People may invoke Mother Theresa or the Virgin Mary or St. Francis of Assissi as a model because, rightly or wrongly, they believe these three people possess virtues which they themselves do not have. But when the Murdochian press or the Likudian lumpenintelligentsia see in Orwell, not just a model of intellectual courage, but a vindication of their own crassness and hypocrisy, I think we have a problem. When everyone from Chomsky to Fussell, from Dwight MacDonald to Robert Conquest, from Bernard Crick to Martin Peretz views Orwell as a saint, only without any of those declasse Catholic connotations, and when only the late Raymond Williams stands condemned, is Orwell really the model for the contrarian of our time?

Likewise, I have to dissent from Hitchens' treatment of religion. No doubt it is true that much religious discourse in the United States is vacuous or dishonest. But to sneer at Rilke, to condemn Pascal, and to drag in Tertullian's comments about the saved gloating over the damned strikes me as lazy. Even the gruesome cult of Ayn Rand gets more respect than the Roman Catholic Church (for opposing conscription). It is perfectly proper to praise Zola at the expense of the Church and the anti-Dreyfussards, but surely some mention should be made of French anticlericalism's tendencies towards paranoia, demagoguery and misogyny. And in response to a column of his written earlier this year in praise of iconoclasm, I can't help but respond that Richard Pipes has shown that the Leninist campaign against the church was an unmitigated human and moral disaster.

The book contains many interesting anecdotes about Brecht, Bosnia, Milosz, Debs, and Paine, most of which have appeared in Prepared for the Worst, or For the Sake of Argument. Readers who admire Hitchens should turn to those books to see Hitchens at his best.