Christopher Hitchens on George Orwell (7/7)

Aug 7, 2009. Christopher Hitchens talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about George Orwell. Drawing on his book Why Orwell Matters, Hitchens talks about Orwell's opposition to imperialism, fascism, and Stalinism, his moral courage, and his devotion to language. Along the way, Hitchens makes the case for why Orwell matters. For more videos, updates and info on Christopher Hitchens, please visit http://www.dailyhitchens.com

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People & Blogs

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• 2009
• Hitchens
• George Orwell
• EconTalk

[benthejrporter]

Thanks for this. It's sad Hitchens fell ill soon after this was recorded. I read and enjoyed the "memoirs" he was referring to, the book "Hitch 22".

[beachcomber2008]

Yes.

[pchapeau]

Hitchens speaks truth to power apologetically .. and I love that about him.

[vjwebster]

As Dawkins wears Darwin's mantle, so Hitchens (despite his protestations at the suggestion) wears Orwell's in the 21st century.

Get well soon Hitch.

[david552]

Being really wise would be telling the two situations apart, as far as one can...

[david552]

Interesting point there: in questions of political ethics sometimes things really are more simple than some people want them to be; they find that artificial complexity induces a comfortable analysis paralysis.

Whereas Ben Goldacre will sell you a t-shirt with his great slogan on it: "I think you'll find it's a bit more complicated than that..." which is absolutely right in questions of science / public policy, and the distortions that the media introduce into those debates.