We control complexity by building abstractions that hide details when appropriate. We control complexity by establishing conventional interfaces that enable us to construct systems by combining standard, well-understood pieces in a ``mix and match'' way. We control complexity by establishing new languages for describing a design, each of which emphasizes particular aspects of the design and deemphasizes others. -- Alan J. Perlis

Work as intensely as you play and play as intensely as you work. -- Eric S. Raymond, How To Be A Hacker

If I tell you I'm good, you would probably think I'm boasting. If I tell you I'm no good, you know I'm lying. -- Bruce Lee

- If you give him a penny for his thoughts, you'd get change. - Not the sharpest knife in the drawer. - A prime candidate for natural deselection. -- [Ideas for flamewars]

Since programmers create programs out of nothing, imagination is our only limitation. Thus, in the world of programming, the hero is the one who has great vision. Paul Graham is one of our contemporary heroes. He has the ability to embrace the vision, and to express it plainly. His works are my favorites, especially the ones describing language design. He explains secrets of programming, languages, and human nature that can only be learned from the hacker experience. This book shows you his great vision, and tells you the truth about the nature of hacking. -- Yukihiro "Matz" Matsumoto, creator of Ruby

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. -- Goethe

All progress takes place outside the comfort zone. ~Michael John Bobak

We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. –Plato

The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me. –Ayn Rand

Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck. –Dalai Lama