Christopher Hitchens, the late essayist and sot, was a man who purposefully cultivated a lot of friends of a certain type - rich, self-important, generally dim-witted and hence easy for a well-spoken Oxbridge debater to impress - and he electrified Washington D.C. society mainly by not being a completely charmless bore.
This quote offers a sharp and somewhat sardonic portrait of Christopher Hitchens, emphasizing his deliberate social strategies and his ability to stand out in circles often characterized by superficiality. It highlights how his wit and non-boredom made him a compelling figure, even amidst a sea of pomp and pretension. Such observations remind us of the importance of authenticity and sharp intellect in navigating social landscapes that can often prioritize appearances over substance.