"What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence." (Hitchens' Razor) vs Hanlon's Razor

The Provocative Brilliance of Christopher Hitchens and His "Razor"

If you missed the podcast with philosopher John Danaher, make sure to do so today. It will leave you with lots to think and rethink.

Today we will discuss Christopher Hitchens and his famous mental model called Hitchens' Razor. These are some of his most memorable quotes. As relevant today as they were when he shared them.

1. "Nonintervention does not mean that nothing happens. It means that something else happens." «Think of all the wars»

2. "Intelligence without curiosity is like a bird without wings. The only way to grow intellectually is to embrace discomfort and uncertainty."

3. "Those of us who are most genuinely repelled by war and violence are also those who are most likely to decide that some wars and some violence are necessary and unavoidable."

4. "What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence." (Hitchens' Razor)

5. "Religion is man-made. Even the men who made it cannot agree on what it is."

6. "The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks."

7. "Beware the irrational, however seductive. Shun the 'transcendent' and all who invite you to subordinate or annihilate yourself."

8. "The essence of tyranny is not iron law. It is capricious law."

9. "The essence of the liberal outlook lies not in what opinions are held, but in how they are held."

10. "The only real radicalism in our time will come as it always has - from people who insist on thinking for themselves."