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Re: Best practices, revisitedby Xiong (Hermit) |
on Jan 30, 2010 at 00:37 UTC ( [id://820438]=note: print w/replies, xml ) | Need Help?? |
Thinking is, for most people, more difficult than following rules blindly. For those who find it easier to think, thinking while following rules is still more difficult. Few indeed are those who think deeply, and follow, break, and make rules with art, style, and discretion. Many things can be taught, perhaps even thinking; but it's tough. I often wonder yet if I know how to think myself. My personal meta-rules are:
The anecdote goes that a stonemason building a medieval cathedral was questioned. "Why are you dressing that block so carefully? That side will be cemented into the wall and hidden." The mason said, "God sees that side, too." I agree that the best part of PBP is that Conway explains why for each rule. I'm free to accept or reject each rule but I can't follow the book blindly, email him, and complain: "But you said Do This!"
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