This article introduces the thinking and life of dissident investigative journalist, social justice activist, writer and educator, Chris Hedges. He has established himself since leaving the "New York Times" in 2003 as a bold, outspoken thinker and activist in the US, not based in academe, in a sense now free and freelance. He has published 13 books, a number on the NYT Bestseller list, and is a regular columnist at "Truthdig". He also runs a weekly interview show on RT 'On Contact'. Chris Hedges also worked as an educator for the past 11 years with prisoners (male, female, other) in New Jersey prisons, maximum and super-max security. He teaches literature and history through a critical social-justice lens.