Progress is possible only if we train ourselves to think about programs without thinking of them as pieces of executable code.
Edsger DijkstraRead
We must be very careful when we give advice to younger people; sometimes they follow it!
Interpretation
What this quote means
Advice given to young people should be considered carefully due to its potential impact.
Edsger Dijkstra humorously points out the responsibility that comes with giving advice, especially to younger individuals. The layered meaning suggests that the words of the advice-giver can significantly influence the listener's actions and decisions, emphasizing the weight of guidance provided to those who may lack the experience to discern its implications.
Themes
AdviceYounger PeopleWisdomResponsibilityGuidance
In practice
Example use cases
During a mentorship session, one might quote this to highlight the need for thoughtful guidance.
More from Edsger Dijkstra
All quotes βSimplicity is prerequisite for reliability.
Edsger DijkstraRead
The purpose of abstraction is not to be vague, but to create a new semantic level in which one can be absolutely precise.
Edsger DijkstraRead
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.
Edsger DijkstraRead
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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How great, my friends, is the virtue of living upon a little!
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. . from this moment The very firstlings of my heart shall be The firstlings of my hand. And even now, To crown my thoughts with acts, be it thought and done.
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