2008 Quote by Christopher Hitchens
““I used to call myself a single-issue voter on the essential question of defending civilization against its terrorist enemies and their totalitarian protectors, and on that 'issue' I hope I can continue to expose and oppose any ambiguity.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The War on Terror” in The Atlantic, 2004
He frames political engagement as defending civilization against extremist threats and their supporters.
In simple terms: Defend civilization from extremist threats.
Key Takeaway
Stay vigilant against extremist ideologies.
Themes
politics
security
morality
Mood
critical
defensive
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- voting
- public debate
- policy analysis
- activism
Key Concepts
totalitarianism
civil liberties
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define “civilization”?
- What limits should exist on political activism?
A Different Perspective
Balancing security with civil freedoms is complex.
![“It's [Los Angeles] mostly full of nonsense and delusion and egomania. They think they'll be young and beautiful forever, even though most of them aren't even young and beautiful now.” quote by Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a86/christopher-hitchens-117_beautiful_it-s-los-angeles-mostly-full-of-nonsense_10462.jpg)
![“[Religion] attacks us in our deepest integrity - the core of our self-respect. Religion says that we would not know right from wrong, we would not know an evil, wicked act from a decent human act without divine permission, without divine authority or without, even worse, either the fear of a…” quote by Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ab6/christopher-hitchens-117_action_religion-attacks-us-in-our-deepest-integ_23299.jpg)
