Thank you Professor.

As a political analyst, I consider you 'America's Orwell'.

As a moral & political philosopher, I consider you an 'America's Socrates'.

Happy 80th - and beyond.

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday.

Colin

I'm embarrassed to say I've not yet read any of your books, but your persistent critique of misused power, and championing of unpopular causes, has been a challenge and an inspiration. You remind us not to let indignation squeeze out analysis, but to understand the world as it is and respond with humanity.

I feel odd addressing you like this but please forgive the familiarity.

My name is Ro Rai. You don't know me, my family or friends here in London, or back in Nepal where I am from originally, but many of us have been informed, inspired and galvanised by your work. It might seem strange to you, but we feel we know you in some small way. You have touched us all with your strength of purpose and your courageous and unremitting commitment to truth. You are a presence in our lives.

A great encouragement that someone of such distinction as a pioneer in his own field should then turn to providing trenchant criticism exposing the idiocies of international power politics today.

Reading Chomsky for the first time was such a relief. Here were my vague feelings distilled into lucid, deeply researched words. It was a calm warm voice talking of insanities and making sense of policies that had made no sense to me.

Bibi van der Zee, London, England
Guardian journalist, author of Rebel, Rebel: The Protestor's Handbook

Among other things, you taught me that the Iraq war was about power not just oil, and helped me understand more about what's wrong with the media.

Trying to understand what you have been saying and writing has been the most fulfilling and transforming intellectual experience of my life. Your example of intellectual fearlessness, rigorous rationality, personal generosity and unyielding commitment to grassroots social change has set a standard that inspires us and challenges us. Several generations of activists are in your debt. I'm certainly one of them.