Quote by Christopher Hitchens
The matter on which I judge people is their willingness, or ability, to handle contradiction. Thus Paine was better than Burke when it came to the principle of the French revolution, but Burke did and said magnificent things when it came to Ireland, India and America. One of them was in some ways a revolutionary conservative and the other was a conservative revolutionary. It's important to try and contain multitudes. One of my influences was Dr Israel Shahak, a tremendously brave Israeli humanist who had no faith in collectivist change but took a Spinozist line on the importance of individuals. Gore Vidal's admirers, of whom I used to be one and to some extent remain one, hardly notice that his essential critique of America is based on Lindbergh and 'America First' the most conservative position available. The only real radicalism in our time will come as it always has from people who insist on thinking for themselves and who reject party-mindedness.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the importance of individuals' ability to handle contradiction as a basis for judgment. It praises those who can reconcile opposing viewpoints and demonstrates how both Paine and Burke had their respective strengths in different areas. It also mentions Dr Israel Shahak and Gore Vidal as examples of individuals who, despite their differing beliefs, challenge conventional thinking and reject allegiance to political parties. The quote suggests that the true radical thinkers in our time are those who think independently and refuse to follow party lines.
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