"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"
- Edsger Dijkstra
About this Quote
Edsger Dijkstra was a popular computer scientist and mathematician who was understood for his pioneering operate in the field of computer technology. In this quote, he is revealing his desire for immortality. He is saying that if, in 10 years time, somebody is doing something quick and dirty and they all of a sudden consider him and believe "Dijkstra would not have actually liked this", then that would be enough immortality for him. He is suggesting that his tradition will survive on in the minds of individuals, even if they are not knowingly familiar with it. He is likewise suggesting that his work and ideas will continue to influence the method individuals believe and work, even after he is gone. This quote is a testimony to Dijkstra's dedication to excellence and his desire to have a long lasting effect on the world.
"One has children in the expectation of dying before them. In fact, you want to make damn sure you die before them, just as you plant a tree or build a house knowing, hoping that it will outlive you. That's how the human species has done as well as it has"
