The use of COBOL cripples the mind; its teaching should, therefore, be regarded as a criminal offense.

The question of whether computers can think is like the question of whether submarines can swim.

In passing I draw attention to another English expression which often occurs in Dutch texts: "the real world". In Dutch - and I am afraid not in Dutch alone - its usage is almost always a symptom of a violent anti-intellectualism.

Don't compete with me: firstly, I have more experience, and secondly, I have chosen the weapons.

Besides a mathematical inclination, an exceptionally good mastery of one's native tongue is the most vital asset of a competent programmer.

Simplicity and elegance are unpopular because they require hard work and discipline to achieve and education to be appreciated.

I mean, if 10 years from now, when you are doing something quick and dirty, you suddenly visualize that I am looking over your shoulders and say to yourself "Dijkstra would not have liked this," well, that would be enough immortality for me.