"The use of COBOL cripples the mind; its teaching should, therefore, be regarded as a criminal offense"
- Edsger Dijkstra
About this Quote
This quote by Edsger Dijkstra is a strong declaration against using the shows language COBOL. He thinks that the use of this language is damaging to the mind, which teaching it needs to be considered a crime. Dijkstra is indicating that using COBOL is not only a wild-goose chase, but it likewise has a negative result on the development of the mind. He believes that using this language is a barrier to the development of more advanced shows languages and techniques. He is likewise suggesting that using COBOL is a type of intellectual stagnation, and that it must be discouraged in order to promote the advancement of more advanced programs languages. Dijkstra's quote is a strong declaration versus the use of COBOL, and it functions as a reminder that using outdated programs languages can be harmful to the development of the mind.
"Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the water. Through an active, reciprocal exchange, teaching can strengthen learning how to learn"
"Teaching is the only major occupation of man for which we have not yet developed tools that make an average person capable of competence and performance. In teaching we rely on the "naturals," the ones who somehow know how to teach"
