Project Positivity #2: Christopher Hitchens.

There are some writers who come along once in a generation. Their voice is clear from reading their work. They make compelling, alluring and arresting arguments for causes they care deeply about. They are more often than not loved and hated in equal measures. For me, the writer who has caught my attention more than any other is Christopher Hitchens.

Born in England and educated at Oxford University, Hitchens moved to the United States in 1981 and became an American citizen in 2007. He writes weekly columns for Slate and monthly pieces for Vanity Fair. His best-selling book god Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything catapulted him to the front of what has been called (irritatingly, in my opinion) the 'New Atheists' alongside Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and Daniel C. Dennett. He is often invited onto American news shows to discuss issues of American politics, history and religion and is a prolific debater.

He is an unapologetic critic of Henry Kissinger, Mother Teresa, Bill Clinton and Pope Benedict XVI among others. He is an admirer of Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine and George Orwell (all three of whom have been subjects of his books).

Sadly he has recently been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. I wrote briefly on this earlier and I really do hope that he recovers. However, this post is supposed to be focused on the positives, so I shall explain why Hitchens has become such a significant figure to me.

Firstly is very simple: his style of writing and speaking. He uses the English language in such a compelling way that I find myself riveted by what he has to say even if a particular topic is not of interest or even if I disagree with his position. The first example of a disagreement I can think of is his glorification and excessive consumption of alcohol. Regardless of minor things, his writing and speaking voice are very distinctive. Reading his books or articles, and listening to him in interviews or debates is always a pleasure.

The next thing that draws my attention to him is the way our main interests seem to overlap. Hitchens is avidly interested in American history, American politics and the influence of religion in a secular society. As am I. The fact that he writes so extensively about these three subjects has naturally drawn me more to his work.

The third and final factor in Hitchens' great influence on me is his life story and attitude. He was born and raised in England but always felt the pull of the United States. He has said that he feels like he was born in the wrong country: something I have been saying about myself for years. He is now a naturalized American citizen who writes for a living about America and religion. That is what I want for my own life (on my own terms obviously, I do not want to simply be a carbon copy).

Looking at the way Hitchens' life has turned out (cancer aside, obviously) makes me think about what is possible. The combination of what he has achieved, what he talks and writes about, and how he uses the English language have combined to make him the most significant influence in my writing, argumentative style and political thought. If I can achieve even some of the success in those areas as he has, I will be truly happy.