Language Quote by Brian Eno

Although mathematical notation undoubtedly possesses parsing rules, they are rather loose, sometimes contradictory, and seldom clearly stated. [...] The proliferation of programming languages shows…

— Kenneth E. Iverson

Contrary to the foolish notion that syntax is immaterial, people optimize the way they express themselves, and so express themselves differently with different syntaxes.

— Erik Naggum

Most programming languages are decidedly inferior to mathematical notation and are little used as tools of thought in ways that would be considered significant…

— Kenneth E. Iverson

We are getting into semantics again. If we use words, there is a very grave danger they will be misinterpreted.

— H. R. Haldeman

Why should it not be the whole function of a word to denote many things?

— J. L. Austin

Perhaps it is the language that chooses the writers it needs, making use of them so that each might express a tiny part of…

— Jose Saramago

It is worth noting that the notation facilitates discovery. This, in a most wonderful way, reduces the mind's labour.

— Gottfried Leibniz

With the computer and programming languages, mathematics has newly-acquired tools, and its notation should be reviewed in the light of them. The computer may,…

— Kenneth E. Iverson

“As long as we are engaged in this orgy of unnecessary terminology and notation…”

— David J. Griffiths

Written symbols are even more artificial or conventional than spoken; they cannot be picked up in accidental intercourse with others. In addition, the written…

— John Dewey

This ambiguity is another example of a growing problem with mathematical notation: There aren't enough squiggles to go around.

— Jim Blinn

If it is to be effective as a tool of thought, a notation must allow convenient expression not only of notions arising directly from…

— Kenneth E. Iverson