Hitchens was a gifted literary flame thrower.
Of course I object to many of his beliefs, or lack of beliefs.
He was clearly wrong about a lot of things but he provided a point of view that kept people on their toes.
We need the Hitchens of this world to challenge our beliefs and drive the conversation that makes us stronger.
On a personal note, Hitchen’s life was disabled by alcoholism. I went to great effort, planning to meet with him at a small reception. He never showed up, his aide found him, many hours later, passed out drunk in the hotel bar. I found out this was a common behavior and his public appearances ended soon after that.
Talent is inevitably useless without values. He left a lot of writings that will be resigned to history, but left no real legacy as he didn’t write with a focus towards a better future.
Bullshit.
It's possible to have enormous, classic talent along the lines of Einstein, Lennon or Michelangelo and have no values beyond what you can get for a hit on the corner.
Sure, it's a sad story, but it doesn't diminish the talent.
Is the only use of talent what you would it be? How about everyone else that enjoys art, for arts' sake?
Hitchens was an artist of the highest order.