Introduction
In his final work, "Mortality," renowned journalist and literary critic Christopher Hitchens offers a poignant and introspective look at life's ultimate challenge: facing one's own death. Written during the last year of his life after being diagnosed with terminal esophageal cancer, this book provides a raw and honest account of Hitchens' journey through illness, treatment, and the realization of his own mortality.
Hitchens, known for his sharp wit and unapologetic atheism, brings his characteristic eloquence and intellectual rigor to this deeply personal exploration. Through a series of essays, he grapples with the physical and emotional toll of cancer, the nature of suffering, and the societal discomfort surrounding death. "Mortality" is not just a memoir of illness, but a profound meditation on what it means to be human in the face of our inevitable end.
The Shock of Diagnosis
Hitchens' journey begins with a sudden collapse during a book tour in 2010. The subsequent diagnosis of esophageal cancer forces him to confront the reality of his own mortality in a way he never had before. This abrupt transition from a life of vibrant intellectual engagement to one dominated by medical appointments and treatments is jarring.
The author describes the overwhelming sense of loss that accompanies such a diagnosis. He reflects on the milestones he will miss - his children's weddings, the birth of grandchildren, and the unfolding of world events. This realization brings home the finality of death in a way that abstract knowledge never could.
Hitchens also observes how his diagnosis affects those around him. He notes the awkwardness and discomfort that many people display when interacting with someone who is terminally ill. Some friends resort to sharing "motivational" stories of cancer survivors, which Hitchens finds unhelpful and somewhat irritating. Others encourage him to "fight on," inadvertently implying that dying would somehow be a failure on his part.
These experiences lead Hitchens to develop a set of personal rules for navigating social interactions as a cancer patient. He strives for honesty when asked about his condition, but also employs humor as a coping mechanism. This approach not only helps him deal with his situation but also makes others more comfortable in his presence.
The Myth of Suffering and Strength
One of the most thought-provoking sections of the book deals with Hitchens' critique of the popular notion that suffering makes one stronger. He takes issue with Friedrich Nietzsche's famous quote, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger," arguing that for terminal cancer patients, this simply isn't true.
Hitchens points out that while surviving a tragedy might lead to personal growth, the relentless assault of cancer on the body offers no such silver lining. Instead of growing stronger, cancer patients find themselves in a state of "living dyingly," where each day brings new challenges and diminishing strength.
The author doesn't shy away from describing the brutal reality of cancer treatment. He details the physical toll of chemotherapy, which goes far beyond the commonly known side effects of hair and weight loss. Hitchens describes it as a constant battle against the disease, one that leaves him feeling poisoned and depleted.
This section of the book serves as a powerful reminder of the limits of positive thinking in the face of terminal illness. While Hitchens acknowledges the importance of emotional support from loved ones, he also emphasizes that kind words alone cannot change the fundamental reality of a terminal diagnosis.
The Intertwining of Body and Mind
As his illness progresses, Hitchens gains a newfound appreciation for the deep connection between physical and mental health. He observes how the constant pain and discomfort of his condition begin to affect his psychological state.
The author describes how the increasing reliance on powerful painkillers like morphine begins to dominate his waking life. This dependency not only affects his physical state but also impacts his mental acuity - a particularly distressing development for someone who has built his life around intellectual pursuits.
Hitchens' reflections on this mind-body connection offer valuable insights into the holistic nature of human experience. His struggle highlights how physical suffering can profoundly impact one's mental state, and vice versa. This understanding can be crucial for both patients and caregivers in approaching terminal illness with compassion and comprehensive care.
Atheism in the Face of Death
One of the most compelling aspects of "Mortality" is Hitchens' unwavering commitment to his atheist beliefs, even as he faces his own mortality. As a prominent atheist thinker, Hitchens found himself under intense scrutiny and pressure to "convert" as his condition worsened.
He describes receiving messages from well-meaning friends assuring him of their prayers, as well as less benevolent communications from strangers betting on how long it would take him to accept God. Some individuals even went so far as to tell him he would "burn in hell" if he didn't convert before death.
Despite this pressure, Hitchens remains steadfast in his convictions. He argues that changing his mind about religion at the last moment would be dishonest and wouldn't hold up to any divine judgment. He questions the logic of deathbed conversions, pointing out that a lifetime of unbelief couldn't be erased by a last-minute change of heart.
Hitchens also critiques the exclusivity of organized religion when it comes to the afterlife. He ponders the absurdity of choosing one faith over another when facing death, given that no one truly knows what, if anything, lies beyond.
This section of the book serves as a powerful testament to the importance of staying true to one's beliefs, even in the face of death. Hitchens argues that integrity and honesty are crucial, especially when confronting the unknown.
The Power of Communication
One of the most poignant parts of Hitchens' narrative is his reflection on losing his voice due to his illness. As a prolific writer and speaker, this loss was particularly devastating for him.
Hitchens eloquently describes how the inability to speak made him realize the true value of human communication. He points out that language is fundamental to the human experience, allowing us to share thoughts, absorb information, express love, engage in debates, and create art.
The author's struggle with voicelessness highlights how much we take the ability to communicate for granted. He describes feeling excluded from the world, confined to a place where he could only listen but not express his thoughts. This experience underscores the vital role that communication plays in our sense of self and our connection to others.
Hitchens' reflections on the importance of voice and language serve as a powerful reminder to cherish our ability to communicate. It also raises important considerations about quality of life for those who lose this ability due to illness or injury.
The State of Cancer Research and Treatment
In discussing his treatment, Hitchens sheds light on the current state of cancer research and treatment. He describes cancer treatment as still being relatively primitive, with many patients dying despite undergoing grueling therapies.
Hitchens particularly focuses on chemotherapy, describing it as a treatment that essentially poisons the patient along with the cancer cells. His experience underscores the urgent need for more effective and less harmful cancer treatments.
The author also discusses promising new approaches to cancer treatment, such as genomic sequencing of tumors. He shares his experience of volunteering for experimental treatments, driven by his desperate desire to find a cure.
However, Hitchens also highlights how religious beliefs and political decisions can hinder potentially life-saving research. He describes the controversy surrounding embryonic stem cell research, which was halted due to religious objections just when it could have potentially benefited him and countless others.
This section of the book serves as a call to action for continued investment in cancer research and a critique of how non-scientific considerations can impede medical progress.
The Societal Discomfort with Death
Throughout "Mortality," Hitchens reflects on society's general discomfort with the topic of death. He observes how people often avoid discussing mortality until they are forced to confront it directly.
The author describes the awkwardness that many of his friends and acquaintances displayed when interacting with him after his diagnosis. Some resorted to platitudes or avoided the topic altogether, while others seemed unsure of how to behave around someone who was dying.
Hitchens argues that this societal avoidance of death-related topics does a disservice to both the dying and the living. By refusing to engage with the reality of mortality, we miss opportunities for meaningful conversations and connections.
These observations serve as a call for more open and honest discussions about death and dying in our society. Hitchens suggests that by confronting our mortality, we can lead more authentic and meaningful lives.
Final Thoughts
"Mortality" is a profound and deeply moving exploration of what it means to face death. Christopher Hitchens brings his characteristic wit, intelligence, and unflinching honesty to this most personal of subjects.
Through his reflections on cancer, pain, communication, belief, and the nature of life itself, Hitchens offers valuable insights that can benefit both the healthy and the ill. He challenges us to think more deeply about our own mortality and how it shapes our lives.
The book serves as a reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of living authentically. It encourages us to cherish our ability to communicate, to stand by our convictions, and to face the unknown with courage and integrity.
Hitchens' final work is not just a memoir of illness, but a celebration of life in all its complexity. It's a testament to the power of the human spirit to find meaning and purpose even in the face of death.
"Mortality" leaves us with important questions to ponder: How do we want to live our lives knowing that they will end? How can we better support those who are facing terminal illness? How can we as a society become more comfortable with discussing death and dying?
In the end, Hitchens' exploration of mortality becomes an affirmation of life. By confronting death so honestly and eloquently, he reminds us of the value of every moment we have and the importance of living fully and authentically.
This book is a must-read not just for fans of Hitchens' work, but for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of what it means to be human in the face of our inevitable mortality. It's a powerful, thought-provoking, and ultimately life-affirming work that will stay with readers long after they've turned the final page.