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Re:Zed finishes Learn Python The Hard Way by VMG on Wednesday September 29, 2010 @10:51AM (#1739576)
The last chapter (Advice From An Old Programmer) is very thought-provoking and slightly unnerving for someone who is studying CS
Re:Zed finishes Learn Python The Hard Way by trop on Wednesday September 29, 2010 @09:47PM (#1741939)
It's a lovely chapter! Thanks for pointing it out.

Programming as an intellectual activity is the only art form that allows you to create interactive art. ... . The world needs more weird people who know how things work and who love to figure it all out.

It's inspiring to see him talking about the beauty of (software) engineering as a means of making which has the quality of an art.

Re:Zed finishes Learn Python The Hard Way by VMG on Thursday September 30, 2010 @02:51AM (#1742505)
The chilling part is

Programming as a profession is only moderately interesting. It can be a good job, but if you want to make about the same money and be happier you could actually just go run a fast food joint. You are much better off using code as your secret weapon in another profession.

People who can code in the world of technology companies are a dime a dozen and get no respect. People who can code in biology, medicine, government, sociology, physics, history, and mathematics are respected and can do amazing things to advance those disciplines.

I have always had the suspicion that this is the case but now I have some validation

Re:Zed finishes Learn Python The Hard Way by 2mur on Thursday September 30, 2010 @08:26AM (#1743033)
Yes. As a physician (pathologist) who is also a hobby-hacker that is particularly inspiring.