On pleasurable code
This:
The idea that a language should be designed from the ground up for the purpose of providing you with an experience of harmony, calm, and enjoyment is fundamentally alien to American programming culture, and when American programmers discuss why they prefer Ruby, the fact that it was designed for their enjoyment vanishes from their own vision even when it’s right in front of their eyes. The closest equivalent we have in this country is an idea that the language was designed to be fun – which is similar, but not the same thing.
… made me this of this:
No one (so far) has said “Well, I really like my job because what I do is fun, and I get to work with some really nice people.” So here’s the question: Is that typical? Is that really how most Americans view work – as a means to an end rather than something that could (and should!) be pleasant in itself? What do you think?
It nicely poses a question I cannot answer. And it makes me wonder why don’t I find Ruby particularly pleasurable in spite of my being Danish.