Jon Stewart has been an enormous influence on me, my art, my work, and my entire perspective on life.

Far beyond being an entertainer, he is a teacher and a philosopher. He inspired me beyond words as I was waking up to the world around me, and he opened my eyes to news, information, ideas & perspectives which nobody else was brave enough or smart enough (or visible enough) to say: truly one of the most important educators of our time.

I am excited to see where he goes in the future, and I am also excited for a new wave of talent to be bold enough and brave enough to continue in his footsteps.

Click here for more choice Jon Stewart / Daily Show moments via The New York Times