Every program has (at least) two purposes: the one for which it was written and another for which it wasn't.
Alan PerlisRead
Fools ignore complexity. Pragmatists suffer it. Some can avoid it. Geniuses remove it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights different attitudes towards complexity in problem-solving.
Alan Perlis suggests that people react to complexity in various ways: fools tend to overlook it, pragmatists endure it, some individuals manage to sidestep it, while geniuses have the ability to simplify and eliminate it. This reflects a deeper understanding of intelligence and problem-solving, indicating that true brilliance lies in the ability to make the complicated seem simple.
Themes
ComplexityProblem-SolvingIntelligenceSimplicityWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a seminar about effective problem-solving strategies.
More from Alan Perlis
All quotes βBecause of its vitality, the computing field is always in desperate need of new cliches: Banality soothes our nerves.
Alan PerlisRead
In computing, turning the obvious into the useful is a living definition of the word "frustration".
Alan PerlisRead
It is better to have 100 functions operate on one data structure than to have 10 functions operate on 10 data structures.
Alan PerlisRead
A good programming language is a conceptual universe for thinking about programming.
Alan PerlisRead
Every reader should ask himself periodically βToward what end, toward what end?ββbut do not ask it too often lest you pass up the fun of programming for the constipation of bittersweet philosophy.
Alan PerlisRead
Similar quotes
Running around accusing others is not as good as laughing. And enjoying a good laugh is not as good as going along with things.
ZhuangziRead
The myriad things are complete in us. There is no greater joy than to reflect on ourselves and become sincere.
MenciusRead
Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. It isn't more complicated that that. It is opening to or recieving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without either clinging to it or rejecting it.
Sylvia BoorsteinRead
Maturity is the ability to reap without apology and not complain when things don't go well.
Jim RohnRead
Where there's hope, there's life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again.
Anne FrankRead
A wise doctor does not mutter incantations over a sore that needs the knife.
SophoclesRead