Java isn't platform independent; it is a platform

If you think it's simple, then you have misunderstood the problem.

It is my firm belief that all successful languages are grown and not merely designed from first principles

And no, I'm not a walking C++ dictionary. I do not keep every technical detail in my head at all times. If I did that, I would be a much poorer programmer. I do keep the main points straight in my head most of the time, and I do know where to find the details when I need them.

Too many managers and executives try to reduce programming to a low-level assembly-line activity. That's inefficient, wasteful, costly in the long run, and inhumane to programmers.

The standard library saves programmers from having to reinvent the wheel.

I would encourage nonproprietary standards for tools and libraries.