I have this hope that there is a better way. Higher-level tools that actually let you see the structure of the software more clearly will be of tremendous value.

Python is an experiment in how much freedom programmers need. Too much freedom and nobody can read another's code; too little and expressiveness is endangered.

If you decide to design your own language, there are thousands of sort of amateur language designer pitfalls.

Don't you hate code that's not properly indented? Making it [indenting] part of the syntax guarantees that all code is properly indented.

My own perception of that is somewhat colored by where people ask my advice, which is still, of course, about changes to Python internals or at least standard libraries.

Mark Hammond is working in this area, with Windows Scripting Host. It is definitely an area where Python fits almost perfectly. That's quite independent from Java, actually.

Modern programs must handle Unicode —Python has excellent support for Unicode, and will keep getting better.

A joyful person is one who deals daily with their problems, faithfully and obediently counting their trials as joy.

Did you ever dream you had a friend, Alec? Someone to last your whole life and you his. I suppose such a thing can’t really happen outside sleep.

I don't know enough to have any regrets

Tonight I'm stepping lightly and I'm feeling no pain.

We're not in people's faces, but I guess we're kind of in people's ears.

Complex rules restricting our labour markets are not some naturally occurring phenomenon. Just as excessive regulation is not some external plague that's been visited on our businesses.

You know you've lived in LA to long when what you fear most about prison is a lack of organic produce.

Science begets knowledge; opinion, ignorance.

Together we can decrease the level of violence, raise awareness of our activities and save lives around the world. The impact of a day of global ceasefire and non-violence cannot be underestimated.

James McMurtry is a true Americana poet - actually he is a poet regardless of genre