I

won’t dare add anything to the numerous public eulogies that accompanied Charles Krauthammer’s passing on June 21 (including Jeffrey Bloom’s tribute in these pages), but I will say that I was moved by his parting words.

In a letter to readers, the columnist recounts how he had battled cancer and thought he had it licked, only to find out it had returned for good. He then thanked readers for making his career possible and giving consequence to his life’s work — which he goes on to define.

“I believe that the pursuit of truth and right ideas through honest debate and rigorous argument is a noble undertaking. I am grateful to have played a small role in the conversations that have helped guide this extraordinary nation’s destiny.”

Humble to the end, Krauthammer downplayed his own role in the public debate while giving every writer in the land a guidepost for good conduct: “the pursuit of right ideas through honest debate.”

I’ve taped it to my wall.

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 717)