Progress is possible only if we train ourselves to think about programs without thinking of them as pieces of executable code.
Edsger DijkstraRead
... as a slow-witted human being I have a very small head and I had better learn to live with it and to respect my limitations and give them full credit, rather than to try to ignore them, for the latter vain effort will be punished by failure.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Recognizing and accepting one's limitations can lead to a more successful and fulfilling life.
Edsger Dijkstra's quote emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's own limitations rather than ignoring them in pursuit of unrealistic goals. By respecting our own boundaries, we can work with what we have and ultimately achieve more, as the futile attempt to overcome every limitation often results in failure and frustration.
Themes
LimitationsAcceptanceFailureSelf-AwarenessWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational talk about personal growth, this quote could be shared to highlight the importance of self-acceptance.
More from Edsger Dijkstra
All quotes →Simplicity 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.
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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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