Philosophy: the finding of bad reasons for what one believes by instinct. -- Brave New World (paraphrased)

The venerable master Qc Na was walking with his student, Anton. Hoping to prompt the master into a discussion, Anton said "Master, I have heard that objects are a very good thing - is this true?" Qc Na looked pityingly at his student and replied, "Foolish pupil - objects are merely a poor man's closures." Chastised, Anton took his leave from his master and returned to his cell, intent on studying closures. He carefully read the entire "Lambda: The Ultimate..." series of papers and its cousins, and implemented a small Scheme interpreter with a closure-based object system. He learned much, and looked forward to informing his master of his progress. On his next walk with Qc Na, Anton attempted to impress his master by saying "Master, I have diligently studied the matter, and now understand that objects are truly a poor man's closures." Qc Na responded by hitting Anton with his stick, saying "When will you learn? Closures are a poor man's object." At that moment, Anton became enlightened. -- Anton van Straaten (Na = Norman Adams, Qa = Christian Queinnec)

Remember: you are alone. Every time you can get help from someone, it is an opportunity: you should eagerly size it. But then, promptly return to normal mode: you are alone and you must be prepared to solve every problem yourself. -- Eric KEDJI

A no uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a yes merely uttered to please or what is worse, to avoid trouble. -- Mahatma Gandhi

I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have. -- Thomas Jefferson

Good work is no done by ‘humble’ men. -- H. Hardy, A mathematician's apology.

You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try. –Beverly Sills

Education costs money. But then so does ignorance. –Sir Claus Moser

Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs. –Farrah Gray

Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions. –Dalai Lama