Artists & Writers · Modern
Christopher Hitchens’s Last Words
“Capitalism. Downfall.”— Christopher Hitchens, December 15, 2011
Who Was Christopher Hitchens?
Christopher Hitchens was a British-American author, journalist, and literary critic known for his vigorous public debates, his atheism, and his memoir Hitch-22.
The Final Moments
Hitchens's final words were reportedly spoken during a bout of delirium from pneumonia. They mystified those present.
Are These Words Verified?
Reported by those at his bedside including his wife Carol Blue, though he was delirious from pneumonia at the time. The words' meaning remains unclear and may have been fever-induced.
Sources
- firsthand Hitchens, Carol Blue (widow). Personal account
- other Vanity Fair tribute, January 2012
Legacy
Hitchens's debates about religion, especially after the publication of god is Not Great, made him the world's most prominent atheist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Christopher Hitchens’s last words?
“Capitalism. Downfall.”
How did Christopher Hitchens die?
Christopher Hitchens died on December 15, 2011 at the age of 62. Cause of death: Pneumonia from esophageal cancer.
Were Christopher Hitchens’s last words documented?
Reported by those at his bedside including his wife Carol Blue, though he was delirious from pneumonia at the time. The words' meaning remains unclear and may have been fever-induced.
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