QuoteProject
Because of its vitality, the computing field is always in desperate need of new cliches: Banality soothes our nerves.
Alan Perlis
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The computing field constantly requires fresh ideas to combat monotony, as familiar phrases provide comfort.

Alan Perlis highlights the dynamic nature of the computing field, where innovation is essential. He suggests that as the field evolves rapidly, the constant influx of new ideas is necessary to avoid stagnation. At the same time, familiar concepts or clichés serve to provide reassurance and stability amidst the swift changes, hinting at a balance needed between creativity and comfort in communication.

Themes

InnovationTechnologyClichéVitalityCreativity

In practice

Example use cases

Using this quote during a tech conference to emphasize the importance of innovation in the industry.

More from Alan Perlis

Every program has (at least) two purposes: the one for which it was written and another for which it wasn't.
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 “Toward what end, toward what end?”—but do not ask it too often lest you pass up the fun of programming for the constipation of bittersweet philosophy.
Alan PerlisRead
C programmers never die. They are just cast into void.
Alan PerlisRead

Similar quotes

We're the new power, come to replace the old. Cameras in the head, children with microchips, spin doctors rewriting reality as it happens.
Grant MorrisonRead
Netscape brought the Internet alive with the browser. They made the Internet so that Grandma could use it, and her grandchildren could use it. The second thing that Netscape did was commercialize a set of open transmission protocols so that no company could own the Net.
Thomas FriedmanRead
Our intuition about the future is linear. But the reality of information technology is exponential, and that makes a profound difference. If I take 30 steps linearly, I get to 30. If I take 30 steps exponentially, I get to a billion.
Ray KurzweilRead
We want to reinvent the phone. What's the killer app? The killer app is making calls! It's amazing how hard it is to make calls on most phones. We want to let you use contacts like never before - sync your iPhone with your PC or mac.
Steve JobsRead
Nintendo is a company of Kyoto craftsmen, and what we don't want to do is, if we know we can make something better, we don't want to leave that behind.
Satoru IwataRead
Most of the value of deep learning today is in narrow domains where you can get a lot of data. Here's one example of something it cannot do: have a meaningful conversation.
Andrew NgRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.