“Besides a mathematical inclination, an exceptionally good mastery of one's native tongue is the most vital asset of a competent programmer.”
1970s, How do we tell truths that might hurt? (1975)
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Edsger W. Dijkstra 68
Dutch computer scientist 1930–2002Related quotes

“Besides, it's good to force C programmers to use the toolbox occasionally.”
[1991May31.181659.28817@jpl-devvax.jpl.nasa.gov, 1991]
Usenet postings, 1991
Methods of Mathematics Applied to Calculus, Probability, and Statistics (1985)

Quoted in Tom Ham, "Interview: John Carmack" http://archive.gamespy.com/interviews/april01/carmack/ gamespy.com (2004-01)
Methods of Mathematics Applied to Calculus, Probability, and Statistics (1985)
Context: It is easy to measure your mastery of the results via a conventional examination; it is less easy to measure your mastery of doing mathematics, of creating new (to you) results, and of your ability to surmount the almost infinite details to see the general situation.

Speech at the Ceremony to Inaugurate the Restored Humayun's Tomb Gardens, New Delhi, India (15 April 2003)
Source: "Related diversification, core competences and corporate performance", 1994, p. 164

1930s, Obituary for Emmy Noether (1935)