“Beware the irrational, however seductive. Shun the 'transcendent' and all who invite you to subordinate or annihilate yourself. Distrust compassion; prefer dignity for yourself and others. Don't be afraid to be thought arrogant or selfish. Picture all experts as if they were mammals. 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. Suspect your own motives, and all excuses. Do not live for others any more than you would expect others to live for you.”
― Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian
I hold many Hitchen´s Quotes in high regard, but this is arguably my favourite. The book was given to me for my tenth birthday and it took my quite some time to get through the first quarter, but when it started "making sense" after that, I tore through the rest in one "sitting". The book had a profound impact on the development of my world view and how I think, because reading it, is what started me on my journey of self-recognition. To this day, Hitchens remains my favourite modern author.
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