Computer science has as much to do with computers as astronomy has to do with telescopes.

Don't blame me for the fact that competent programming, as I view it as an intellectual possibility, will be too difficult for the average programmer, you must not fall into the trap of rejecting a surgical technique because it is beyond the capabilities of the barber in his shop around the corner.

A programming language is a tool that has profound influence on our thinking habits.

In their capacity as a tool, computers will be but a ripple on the surface of our culture. In their capacity as intellectual challenge, they are without precedent in the cultural history of mankind.

The computing scientist's main challenge is not to get confused by the complexities of his own making.

Teaching COBOL ought to be regarded as a criminal act.

Experience does by no means automatically leads to wisdom and understanding.