Unspeakable

By: Chris Hedges

Narrated by: Chris Hedges, Michael Quinlan

Chris Hedges on the most taboo topics in America, with David Talbot.

Chris Hedges has been telling truth to (and against) power since his earliest days as a radical journalist. He is an intellectual bomb-thrower who continues to confront American empire in the most incisive, challenging ways. The kinds of insights he provides into the deeply troubled state of our democracy cannot be found anywhere else. Like many of our most important thinkers, he has been relegated to the margins because of ideas deemed too radical - or true - for public consumption. Whether it is covering the dissolution of former Soviet states or embedding in the Middle East to understand the post-9/11 world, he has been a singular voice pushing against mainstream media disinformation and the amnesia of establishment received wisdom. He is an intellectual heir to American radical heroes such as Thomas Paine and Noam Chomsky and is dedicated to reigniting a shared commitment to radical equality and honesty.

Hedges here speaks up about the most pressing issues that currently face our nation. He tackles the rise of a fascist right in support of Donald Trump, which advocates xenophobia and violence in a push for American totalitarianism. He rails against the posturing of inclusivity from establishment elites on both sides of the aisle, who post-Occupy Wall Street continue to advocate for policies that make America uninhabitable for all but the ultra-rich and, as lackeys for corporate interests, continue to expand income inequality in all directions. He tears into the contemporary glamorization of the military and the unchecked, unchallenged hawkishness that defines contemporary American foreign policy. Moreover, he shows his support for contemporary revolts against this twisted order - such as Black Lives Matter - that represent Americans refusing to take the destruction of their country lying down. And that's just the start.

©2016 Chris Hedges (P)2016 Novel Audio

This is easily Chris Hedges' best book yet!

Would you consider the audio edition of Unspeakable to be better than the print version?

Dunno. Didn't read it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Unspeakable?

His perspective on the New York Times newspaper (and media in general) is so perfectly stated that it rivals some of Noam Chomsky's work. That's why this is his best damn book yet! Hedges covers a lot of territory in this book and all this checks out from everything that I've learned so far. Yikes! Haha....

Have you listened to any of Chris Hedges and Michael Quinlan ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

He's an awesome speaker most of the time. Every so often a crazy thing might happen but 99 percent of the time you're gonna get your money's worth. Some of his books need to be 20 percent shorter yet I wish this one was longer.

If you could give Unspeakable a new subtitle, what would it be?

'Brian Rainstorm calls this is my BEST book yet'

Any additional comments?

"I am a BIG Chris Hedges fan and have listened to all his books on audible.com and this one, UNSPEAKABLE, is the best yet. This book is like boxing Muhammad Ali and Ali has 'TRUTH' written on one glove and 'REALITY' written on the other one... Brace for impact!." - Brian Rainstorm

Extraordinary testimony

Chris Hedges writes and speaks with both heart and intellect. He is a trustworthy guide through the confusion and chaos of US politics. He has borne witness to many wars and the corruption of the deep state and finds so many ways to communicate and serve society with integrity. Read this book or listen to this audio version - it will inspire you in these difficult times.

This is potent, potent stuff

Chris Hedges has a moral compass that has helped me "see" in a non-Leftist way. it's super rare. But honestly, it's hard to take it in and stay ok in the world. Still, I would like to offer him my thanks.

uncompromising voice for the persecuted

deep understanding of the requirements for honest and commited journalism with mind shaking political analyses

Unexpected but enjoyable

I didn't realise going in that this was in fact an interview with Chris Hedges. It was also my first introduction to his thinking.

Hedges is provocative, and makes some very good points about where we are heading. Well worth a listen.

A man who sees only what he must do

Given the interview format of the book, hearing it performed by the author and his interviewer was an absolute treat.

Chris Hedges may see the difficulty of life with convictions ahead of him, but his simple rules allow him to look back with unashamed honesty. He became vegan after seeing Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (now on NETFLIX) -- as did I, once the "blackout imposed by the industry" was revealed. Systemic change and deliverance from neoliberalism requires guidance and Hedges is compelled to lead by example.

A voice of unflinching truth and integrity

This extended interview of Chris Hedges is essential reading or listening to anyone who seeks to make sense of how America has degraded into a polarized society dominated by the Uber wealthy.

Truth. Experience. Hope

You'll never read this nor see this material on any media platform. The teacher for our time has arrived. I hope you, like me, are the student who has been searching for these truths.
So well written and many decades of experiences. A must read.

Prophet of Doom...

Chris Hedges sees the writing on the wall, our decisions as a nation have us on the path of ecological, economic and moral catastrophe. Endless imperialistic wars, predatory capitalism, massive income inequality, corporate controlled media, divisive propaganda, our democracy corrupted by powerful money, and the devastation of earth’s resources through short sighted goals of wealth accumulation are some of the serious mistakes that have led us to this crisis. Many, besides Mr. Hedges, are beginning to understand that saving our nation and our planet will require nothing short of a full blown revolution. That is, if it’s not already too late.
Paraphrasing one of Chris Hedge’s thoughts: we don’t protest what’s wrong because we believe we will win, we protest because that’s who we are.

unbelievable and believable

A brilliant and concise work. I'm inspired by these stories of people who will never be famous but should be for their contribution to a compassionate and just world.