Common Quote by Erik Naggum
“That's why the smartest companies use Common Lisp, but lie about it so all their competitors think Lisp is slow and C++ is fast.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Software Development Perspectives, Erik Naggum, 2005
Companies may misrepresent language performance to shape market perception, influencing competitive dynamics.
In simple terms: Tech bias can be strategic.
Key Takeaway
Critically evaluate language claims.
Themes
technology
marketing
competition
software engineering
Mood
cautious
skeptical
Type
critical
observational
When to use this quote
- product development
- team hiring
- industry analysis
- education
- consulting
Key Concepts
perception management
strategic deception
language performance
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do firms hide true capabilities?
- What are the risks of language bias?
A Different Perspective
Misrepresentation can erode trust and hinder innovation.
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
