Computer programmers Quote by Paul Graham
““The people most likely to grasp that wealth can be created are the ones who are good at making things, the craftsmen. Their hand-made objects become store-bought ones. But with the rise of industrialization there are fewer and fewer craftsmen. One of the biggest remaining groups is computer programmers.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Hackers & Painters, Paul Graham, 2004
The ability to create wealth lies with makers; as industrialization reduces craftsmen, programmers become the primary creators.
In simple terms: Wealth comes from making things; fewer craftsmen means programmers are key.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and value the creative role of programmers.
Themes
innovation
economics
technology
craftsmanship
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
observational
insightful
When to use this quote
- startup founding
- software development
- product design
- digital entrepreneurship
Key Concepts
creative economy
digital labor
industrial change
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your work create value?
- What skills are becoming more valuable?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overstate programmers' uniqueness, ignoring other creative professions.
![“It's [programming] the only job I can think of where I get to be both an engineer and an artist. There's an incredible, rigorous, technical element to it, which I like because you have to do very precise thinking. On the other hand, it has a wildly creative side where the boundaries of imagination…” quote by Andy Hertzfeld](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/001/andy-hertzfeld-24074_art_it-s-programming-the-only-job-i-can-thin_250407.jpg)
