Why self?

[Robb Shecter]

Brian Quinlan wrote:

>>     self.__velocity = self.__factor1 * self.__factor2
>>

> 
> Two of those characters are your own fault (the underscores).

I don't think so:  As I understand it, the double underscores are 
necessary in order to for the class to function correctly if subclassed. 
  Without them, a subclass could inadvertently use/misuse/overwrite them.

These requirements remind me of C++ or Perl, where in order to do the 
correct thing, you have to go through extra work.  Or, conversely, the 
language encourages you to do the wrong thing.

Robb