There are lots of people who aren't going to like this…
““There are lots of people who aren't going to like this book, whether they are into morals or not. I figure there are three distinct groups of people who'll hate this thing. Hate group number one consists of most of the people who are mentioned in the book. Hate group number two consists of all the people who aren't mentioned in the book and are pissed at not being able to join hate group number one. Hate group number three doesn't give a damn about the other two hate groups and will just hate the book because somewhere I write that object-oriented programming was invented in Norway in 1967, when they know it was invented in Bergen, Norway, on a rainy afternoon in late 1966. I never have been able to please these folks, who are mainly programmers and engineers, but I take some consolation in knowing that there are only a couple hundred thousand of them. My guess is that most people won't hate this book, but if they do, I can take it. That's my job.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author anticipates criticism from three distinct audiences and accepts it as inevitable, finding comfort in the small size of the dissenting group.
In simple terms: He expects hate from three groups and is okay with it.
Key Takeaway
Accept criticism, focus on your audience.
Themes
criticism
audience
acceptance
humor
programming
Mood
wry
defiant
reflective
Type
satirical
personal essay
When to use this quote
- book launch
- software development conferences
- online forums
- peer review
- marketing campaigns
Key Concepts
identity
group dynamics
authorial intent
Questions to Reflect On
- Which criticism would you most want to avoid?
- How can you turn dissent into constructive feedback?
A Different Perspective
Some readers may find the satire off‑putting, limiting broader appeal.