The Portable Atheist: Christopher Hitchens' Anthology of Nonbelief
Published in November 2007 by Da Capo Press, The Portable Atheist: Essential Readings for the Nonbeliever is a comprehensive anthology edited by the renowned writer Christopher Hitchens. The collection serves as a curated journey through the history of atheist and agnostic thought, gathering essential essays and reflections from a diverse array of philosophers, scientists, and literary figures.
Hitchens structures the work to span from the early Greeks to contemporary thinkers, providing a intellectual foundation for those who reject theistic beliefs. The anthology is dedicated to the memory of Primo Levi, and Hitchens opens the volume with poignant quotes from Levi's works, If This Is a Man and The Drowned and the Saved.
Key Facts
- Editor: Christopher Hitchens
- Publication Date: November 2007
- Publisher: Da Capo Press (United States)
- Scope: A 500-page collection of atheist and agnostic writings
- Contributors: Includes figures such as Charles Darwin, Bertrand Russell, Albert Einstein, and Richard Dawkins
- ISBN: 978-0-306-81608-6
The Philosophy of Nonbelief
In his editorial approach, Hitchens argues that the case for atheism generally falls into two categories: arguments that dispute the actual existence of a deity, and arguments that highlight the negative societal effects of religion. He defines religion not merely as a belief in a supreme being, but as the "cult" of that being and the conviction that the deity's wishes can be determined or known.
Hitchens makes a critical distinction between the atheist and the agnostic—the latter being someone who neither believes nor disbelieves in a god. He further clarifies that non-belief is not the same as unbelief. He challenges the common defense that religion is justified by its charitable or humanitarian works, arguing that such actions do not validate the underlying belief system. To illustrate this, he points to organizations like the Nation of Islam or Hamas, noting that providing social services does not excuse racist or totalitarian ideologies.
For Hitchens, atheism is the only position that resolves cognitive dissonance (the mental discomfort of holding two conflicting beliefs). He posits that accepting the certainty of death allows a person to live more intensely, embracing the beauty, pain, and mystery of earthly existence without the need for a divine afterlife.
A Survey of Contributors
The anthology is vast, featuring a chronological and thematic progression of thought. It includes foundational texts from Lucretius and Benedict de Spinoza, scientific perspectives from Charles Darwin and Carl Sagan, and political critiques from Karl Marx and Emma Goldman.
Modern contributions provide a contemporary edge to the collection, featuring works by Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, and Richard Dawkins. The book also includes original pieces written specifically for the anthology by Salman Rushdie, Ian McEwan, and Ayaan Hirsi Ali.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Editor | Christopher Hitchens |
| Media Types | Paperback, Audiobook |
| Key Themes | Atheism, Agnosticism, Critique of Religion |
| Notable Authors | Hume, Russell, Einstein, Dawkins, Harris |
| Length | Approximately 500 pages |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Hitchens define religion in this book?
Hitchens defines religion as more than just a belief in a supreme being; he describes it as the cult of that supreme being and the belief that the being's wishes have been made known or can be determined.
What is the difference between an atheist and an agnostic according to the text?
According to Hitchens, an agnostic is someone who does not believe in god, nor do they disbelieve in him, whereas the atheist takes a more definitive stance against the existence of a deity.
Does Hitchens believe that charitable works justify religious belief?
No. Hitchens argues that humanitarian work performed by religious individuals or organizations says nothing about the validity or morality of the belief system itself.
Who are some of the historical figures featured in the anthology?
The collection includes writings from a wide range of historical figures, including the early Greek philosophers, Lucretius, Benedict de Spinoza, David Hume, Karl Marx, and Charles Darwin.
What is Hitchens' view on the certainty of death?
Hitchens views the certainty of death as a catalyst for living life on earth more intensely, finding fulfillment in the natural cycle of joy, loneliness, and love without needing anything more than this earthly existence.