Quote by Christopher Hitchens
As he grew older, which was mostly in my absence, my firstborn son, Alexander, became ever more humorous and courageous. There came a time, as the confrontation with the enemies of our civilization became more acute, when he sent off various applications to enlist in the armed forces. I didn't want to be involved in this decision either way, especially since I was being regularly taunted for not having 'sent' any of my children to fight in the wars of resistance that I supported. (As if I could 'send' anybody, let alone a grown-up and tough and smart young man: what moral imbeciles the 'anti-war' people have become.)
Summary
The quote highlights the growth and development of the speaker's firstborn son, Alexander, who becomes more humorous and courageous as he grows older. The son takes the initiative to apply for enlistment in the armed forces, a decision the speaker consciously chooses not to influence. The speaker expresses frustration with those who criticize them for not sending their children to fight in the wars they support, emphasizing the autonomy and independence of their son's decision. The quote also includes criticism towards the "anti-war" movement, suggesting that they lack an understanding of individual agency.
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