Letters to a Young Contrarian (Art of Mentoring (Paperback))

I have to admit, and not without some degree of shame, that prior to picking up this book I had shunned the author for the most part as someone whose views diverged too sharply from my own to be of any interest to me. It remains true that I do not share many of his specific views, or at least approaches to them, but that does not take away from the fact that Christopher Hitchens was a remarkable and highly intelligent man who stood by his convictions and contributed more than most to some of the the great debates of his generation. In this short work the author takes up the subject of what it means to devote oneself to a life of opposition to the status quo by responding to many of the questions he has received on the subject throughout the years. It is not so much a treatise on any one subject – although his controversial opinion on things like religion and politics inevitably come up – as a dissertation on the very mindset a person should adopt if he or she is to successfully assume the role of the outspoken critic, and the various pitfalls of doing so. As such, the book lends itself well to anyone in such a position, be they a supporter of his views or not. I was particularly taken by the self-reflective and often humble tone of the book, as well as the beautiful simplicity and inescapable logic of the advice Hitchens offers on the subject of moral compromise and the temptation to “go along to get along”. Again, one does not have to agree with the author’s politics to make sense of his motives. In fact I would go so far as to say that a refusal to read this book on personal grounds is as much a vindication of what it has to say as it is an objection to it. Aside from the advice on offer, the book also contains a good deal of recommended reading, some with which I was already familiar, but much that I was unaware of and look forward to reading. I would conclude by reiterating that this is one of those books that, ironically, might prove as valuable to the opponents of the writer as his supporters. I am neither – or perhaps both – and yet this fact seems almost irrelevant when you consider that unlike much of Hitchens’ other publications, this one is, for the most part, neutral. Which is to say, you can ignore those things you do not agree with and still benefit greatly from the more general reflections of a mind that is nothing if not uncompromising and devoted to personal freedom above all else.

In this book Hitchens writes on themes of dissent, skepticism, stoicism, revolution, reason and principle. To support the importance and relevance of these themes he packs the book to the gunwales with literary and commentary references which themselves stimulate an appetite for further reading. One might not agree with all of his views but for the most part the book embodies the feeling implied in its title of a wise old sage trying to impart some of life's most important lessons on an uninitiated, naive but eager and vital neophyte. The book combines wonderfully reasoned arguments for the author's position on numerous topics but there are also many simple but elegant one-line take-aways such as his "Never be a spectator of unfairness or stupidity". At once indignant and intellectual in Hitchens' now inimitable style he winds up his advice beautifully by quoting the Hungarian dissident, George Konrad, "Have a lived life instead of a career. Put yourself in the safekeeping of good taste. Lived freedom will compensate you for a few losses....If you don't like the style of others, cultivate your own. Get to know the tricks of reproduction, be a self-publisher even in conversation, and then the joy of working can fill your days." An excellent book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I am only recently acquainted with Hitchens' work, but I consider this to be a worthy starting point for anyone wishing to understand the essence of this most excellent specimen of man. "Letters" basically delivers a synthesis of the late Hitchens' view, the reasons for his stance on many varied topics and also his personal advice to anyone truly wishing to become a professional contrarian, or (more realistically) anyone who wishes to maintain an upright moral stance in the face of popular or personal complacency. I cannot say that I agree with all of the author's espoused views, but he doubtlessly anticipated some such differences of opinion. Therefore I suggest that this book is to be treated both as textbook and exercise book for developing an opinion on many controversial. From his advice one should learn how and why to take a stand in both the heat of argument or the chill of general complacency and then instantly apply the techniques of open criticism to his own views. In my humble opinion, that is what the man would've desired to see in a young contrarian (feel free to disagree with me though). I suppose my only criticism of it is that it is far too short to provide an even view of the examples described therein, but I repeat that this is a synthesis: it is not enough to make an informed decision on big issues, but enough to comprehend the author.

This is quite different from much of Hitchens' output. It's neither journalism nor polemic, but a very thoughtful book about what it means to be a 'Contrarian' and to challenge the status quo and conventional opinion, and why it is important to do so. This is Hitchens, he of the erudite but meticulous and common-sense argument, so this certainly isn't a book on 'why everyone else is wrong'. It is a guide to how to challenge yourself and others to get to the nub of issues, written in the form of answering letters to an imaginary young reader who poses questions about how and why and when we should be 'Contrarian'. Hitchens answers with warmth, humour, and rigour. Even if you don't feel you need his guidance (he book can feel slightly patronising at times), it is an enjoyable read and raises and tries to answer various philisophical and moral challenges. Like most of Hitchens best writing (I'm aware many will disagree), it is valuable because his approach to the topic is level-headed, honest, and inquisitive. A short, powerful book which simultaneously challenges us to question orthodoxies, and gives us the tools and encouragement to do so. I wish I had read it at nineteen when it was released, but I'm still glad I got around to it at thirty.

Good book

I've always been quite an anti-tradition, anti-convention and even anti-establishment since a child, I've always secretly questioned many things around me but never had my opinions welcomed, validated or challenged, all was continuously shunned and ridiculed. This book is a manifesto for all those contrarians who upholds the art of free & critical thinking out there ! To be able to intellectually challenge a popular ideal, but to also challenge what you know and your own conclusions as well, as to not fall off the edge towards conspiratorial thinking. That is how you cultivate a free spirit. I've never written a review before that I can recall but this just the perfect book, probably my personal favorite !!

I love to see Hitch arguing, debating, disagreeing and lecturing. Luckily there is plenty, to see, on YT. Pure logic and crystal clear thinking. The man could disassemble any nonsense and highlight hypocrisy and bigotry, like none before and none, since! An intellectual giant, of a man! However, READING Hitch is another matter........unless you have read Classics (or equivalent), at Oxbridge! Full of references, name-dropping and obscure quotations – he made sure that you knew he was intelligent and well read. His writing does not make for easy reading, though. Unless you are completely familiar with all his quotations and sources, the books do not come easy. I'm no dummy – with a good Hons degree – (way back!), from a “red-brick” establishment but I do find, that with the exception of God Is Not Great”, that his books are hard work. I'm not saying don't persevere – they are “full of goodness”, it's just that they can be very hard going. On the other hand, perhaps Hitch did not understand The Standard Model, as well as I do??

This short book is long on advice to help the young and the old question the world around them. It is precisely written and clearly argued. It is full of clear headed, humane, secular wisdom and presents a rational controlled passion for life and justice. I wish I had heard the author speak in person when he was alive however his voice is clear in these pages and is a plessure to listen to the lively conversation between Hitchens and his students recorded here.