Alan Perlis' Epigrams in Programming

A collection of Zen-like quotes from computing pioneer Alan Perlis (1922-1990)...

A year spent in artificial intelligence is enough to make one believe in God.

Fools ignore complexity. Pragmatists suffer it. Some can avoid it.
Geniuses remove it.

In a 5 year period we get one superb programming language. Only we can't control when the 5 year period will be.

Optimization hinders evolution.

The proof of a system's value is its existence.

To understand a program you must become both the machine
and the program.

You can't communicate complexity, only an awareness of it.

Short Perlis biographies here and here. Some alternate pages here and here.