Christopher Hitchens was undoubtedly one of the most prominent writers, thinkers, and intellectuals of the 21st century. Armed with his razor-sharp wit and unrelenting drive for truth, Hitchens made a name for himself in both the literary and political worlds - always questioning, always pushing boundaries.

Born in Portsmouth, England in 1949, Hitchens was raised in a family of intellectuals. His father was a naval officer and his mother a former Wren (member of the Women's Royal Naval Service) who later converted to Christianity - an experience that would be formative for Hitchens' later views on religion.

After attending Balliol College at the University of Oxford, Hitchens began a prolific career as a journalist and critic, writing for publications such as The Nation, Vanity Fair, and The Atlantic. He was known for his sharp, cutting writing style and his willingness to take on controversial topics, including religion, war, and politics.

Throughout his life, Hitchens was never one to shy away from debate or controversy. He publicly challenged leaders such as Henry Kissinger and Mother Teresa, and was a vocal advocate for secularism and atheism.

In 2010, Hitchens was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, a disease that would ultimately claim his life in 2011. However, even in the face of this devastating diagnosis, he remained fiercely engaged in intellectual discussions and debates, continuing to write and speak until his last days.

Today, Hitchens is remembered not only for his incredible intellect and rhetorical prowess, but also for his deep commitment to truth and his uncompromising stance on the issues he believed in. He defied expectations and conventions, never content to simply toe the line, and inspired generations of thinkers and writers to do the same.