Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs

In effect, we conjure the spirits of the computer with our spells. (p. 1)

Computation provides a framework for dealing precisely with notions of “how to”. (p. xvi)

The user should not need to know how the procedure is implemented in order to use it. (p. 25)

Thus, programs must be written for people to read, and only incidentally for machines to execute. (p. xv)

“computer science” is not a science and that its significance has little to do with computers. (p. xvi)

you must read and write computer programs—many of them. It doesn’t matter much what the programs are about or what applications they serve. (p. xi)

They should feel secure about modifying a program, retaining the spirit and style of the original author. (p. xvi)

[A master software engineer] can visualize the behavior of his system in advance. (p. 2)