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Changing mind Quote by Christopher Hitchens

“It's not always a question of you changing your mind. I think very often your mind changes you. You suddenly realise that without having intended to think something, or while intending to think something, you can't quite do it anymore. It doesn't mean the same thing it used to. And you wonder why…” quote by Christopher Hitchens
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““It's not always a question of you changing your mind. I think very often your mind changes you. You suddenly realise that without having intended to think something, or while intending to think something, you can't quite do it anymore. It doesn't mean the same thing it used to. And you wonder why. And if you want to take an honest exploration of why that is, it may lead you in some alarming but fruitful directions. That's actually why I called this book Hitch-22, because it's a minor-key echo of the great Joe Heller paradox; but in a lifetime that's had quite a lot of commitment in it, and allegiance, I've now reached a point where I'm mainly associated with a group of people who I suppose could be described as adamant for skepticism, or resolve for uncertainty. And this pits us against the people who are completely sure they have all the answers - or modern totalitarians. The ones who have all the information they need, and who indeed have the truth as it's been revealed to them - they're already qualified to tell us what to do. Opposition to that lot is the cause of my life, always has been, in a way, and opposition to all forms of totalitarianism, not just as a system of thought but in the mind.””

Christopher Hitchens

About This Quote

Source Book: Hitch-22 by Christopher Hitchens, 2010

Mind changes you more than you change it; questioning leads to unsettling but valuable insights, opposing dogmatic certainty.

In simple terms: Your mind shapes you; questioning reveals truth.

Key Takeaway

Embrace doubt, challenge certainty.

Themes

skepticism mind certainty totalitarianism

Mood

analytical provocative

Type

essay philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • personal reflection
  • social activism

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology politics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What beliefs have you questioned lately?
  • How do you handle opposing certainty?
A Different Perspective

Blind certainty can stifle growth and truth.

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