Knuth: So you say advocate—it's sort of my shtick to say that this is good. But I also am the kind of guy that's uncomfortable preaching or trying to convert someone. I think programming is a lot like religion; people have their beliefs. Some people like to force their beliefs on others. Others say, you know, here's what I think; I can't prove that this is the best thing, but it sure works for me. Then you hope that other people will try it and come to the same conclusion. But I don't like going out and telling people what they ought to believe.
