Progress is possible only if we train ourselves to think about programs without thinking of them as pieces of executable code.
Edsger DijkstraRead
Computer science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Computer science focuses on the principles behind computing rather than just the machines used.
Edsger Dijkstra's quote emphasizes that computer science is fundamentally about the theory and concepts that underpin computing, much like astronomy is about understanding celestial phenomena rather than solely the tools used to observe them. This highlights the importance of theoretical knowledge in any discipline and urges us to see the bigger picture beyond the physical tools at our disposal.
Themes
Computer ScienceTheoryKnowledgeEducationAstronomy
In practice
Example use cases
In a computer science class, a teacher might use this quote to inspire students to focus on concepts rather than just programming languages.
More from Edsger Dijkstra
All quotes βSimplicity is prerequisite for reliability.
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The purpose of abstraction is not to be vague, but to create a new semantic level in which one can be absolutely precise.
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We shall do a much better programming job, provided that we approach the task with a full appreciation of its tremendous difficulty, provided that we stick to modest and elegant programming languages, provided that we respect the intrinsic limitations of the human mind and approach the task as Very Humble Programmers.
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The tools we use have a profound and devious influence on our thinking habits, and therefore on our thinking abilities.
Edsger DijkstraRead
LISP has jokingly been described as "the most intelligent way to misuse a computer." I think that description is a great compliment because it transmits the full flavour of liberation: it has assisted a number of our most gifted fellow humans in thinking previously impossible thoughts.
Edsger DijkstraRead
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