Tony Benn once said "The people who are remembered are the teachers. Many people go through life with a little torch illuminating their feet, but the teacher sends up a pyrotechnic which, just for a second, illuminates the whole landscape." This beautiful and evocative quote captures the essence of Chomsky and the effect that he has had on me, and countless others, throughout his life. It is no exaggeration to say that Chomsky profoundly influenced my intellectual and political development, and for that I am truly thankful.