I discovered Noam Chomsky’s books when I was in my twenties (during the late 1980s) and deeply admired him for decades.

As it happens, I discovered him in my thirties during the same period I guess.

The only intellectual I ever admired more than Chomsky was Bertrand Russell

I've basically forgotten BR by the time I read Chomsky, although I agree with the sentiment.

Interesting facts that Joe introduces, to my mind, that helps me shed hero-worship I had for Chomsky for many years. Beware of the heroes .

I've read a lot of Gore Vidal at the same time, which kept me on course, so to speak.