Skip to content

Actually, I didn't make the claim that Ruby follows the…

“Actually, I didn't make the claim that Ruby follows the principle of least surprise. Someone felt the design of Ruby follows that philosophy, so they started saying that. I didn't bring that up, actually.” quote by Yukihiro Matsumoto
Download Open image
“Actually, I didn't make the claim that Ruby follows the principle of least surprise. Someone felt the design of Ruby follows that philosophy, so they started saying that. I didn't bring that up, actually.”

Yukihiro Matsumoto

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Clarifies that the “principle of least surprise” was attributed to Ruby by others, not his own claim.

In simple terms: Ruby’s design is often described as unsurprising, but he didn’t assert that.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how community narratives can shape a language’s reputation.

Themes

programming perception communication

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

explanatory clarifying

When to use this quote

  • software development meetings
  • technical blog posts
  • language adoption discussions

Key Concepts

language design community myth authorial intent

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you verify the source of a claim?
  • What impact does a myth have on language adoption?
A Different Perspective

May overlook genuine design goals in favor of popular myths.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Yukihiro Matsumoto

Explore all 21 Yukihiro Matsumoto quotes

More Philosophy quotes

Browse all 17,414 Philosophy quotes