Alan Perlis: Programme

“55: LISP programmers know the value of everything and the cost of nothing.”

Alan Perlis Epigrams on Programming

Epigrams on Programming, 1982

“Programmers should never be satisfied with languages which permit them to program everything, but to program nothing of interest easily.”

Alan Perlis

The Synthesis of Algorithmic Systems, 1966

“42: You can measure a programmer's perspective by noting his attitude on the continuing vitality of FORTRAN.”

Alan Perlis Epigrams on Programming

Epigrams on Programming, 1982

“This language [LISP] induces humorous arguments among programmers, often being damned and praised for the same feature.”

Alan Perlis

The Synthesis of Algorithmic Systems, 1966

“We toast the Lisp programmer who pens his thoughts within nests of parentheses.”

Alan Perlis

Quoted in The Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs.