“Remember, you cannot be both young and wise. Young people who pretend to be wise to the ways of the world are mostly just cynics. Cynicism masquerades as wisdom, but it is the farthest thing from it. Because cynics don’t learn anything. Because cynicism is a self-imposed blindness, a rejection of the world because we are afraid it will hurt us or disappoint us. Cynics always say no. But saying “yes” begins things. Saying “yes” is how things grow. Saying “yes” leads to knowledge. “Yes” is for young people. So for as long as you have the strength to, say “yes'.”

American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor and television host

Stephen Tyrone Colbert is an American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host. He is best known for his long run as the host of Comedy Central’s news satire series The Colbert Report, which aired from 2005 to 2014, and later for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS, which ran from 2015 to 2026. His work blends comedy with political commentary, especially through television. Colbert became widely known for creating a satirical news persona on The Colbert Report, then carried that public profile into late-night hosting on CBS. His career spans writing, producing, acting, and presenting, with his name most closely tied to television satire and topical humor.