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About this quote

What does it mean?
Alice in Wonderland is recommended for laymen because it is excellent storytelling.
In plain terms
This book works for everyone because it is well written.
What can you take from it?
Good writing transcends technical audiences.

Where it applies

  • teaching
  • reading
  • writing

Putting it to work

  • Focus on clear narrative
  • Avoid jargon

Questions to consider

  • What makes a book accessible?
  • Can fiction teach technical skills?

Another view

Programming requires technical knowledge that fiction alone cannot provide.

More from Alan Perlis

  1. Some programming languages manage to absorb change, but withstand progress.

    Permalink to quote #22
  2. The computing field is always in need of new cliches.

    Permalink to quote #24
  3. Simplicity does not precede complexity, but follows it.

    Permalink to quote #21

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