Behinds Quote by Yukihiro Matsumoto
“Imagine you are writing an email. You are in front of the computer. You are operating the computer, clicking a mouse and typing on a keyboard, but the message will be sent to a human over the internet. So you are working before the computer, but with a human behind the computer.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Conference talk on programming culture
Writing an email is a mediated act: you type on a machine, but the recipient is a human, reminding us that digital communication still requires empathy and awareness of the person behind the screen.
In simple terms: Emails are technical but ultimately human messages.
Key Takeaway
Treat each email as a conversation with a person.
Themes
communication
empathy
technology
Mood
thoughtful
considerate
professional
Type
professional
educational
When to use this quote
- customer support
- team collaboration
- remote work
Key Concepts
human-centered design
digital etiquette
mindful interaction
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you make your digital messages feel more human?
- What cues show you’re addressing a person, not a device?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on shortcuts can make messages feel impersonal.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
