merits of Lisp vs Python

[Stefan Nobis]

Steven D'Aprano <steve at REMOVE.THIS.cybersource.com.au> writes:

> Look at us: we're all communicating in a common language, English,
> and we all agree on syntax and grammar. Now, I could be a lot more
> expressive, and language could be a lot more powerful, if I could
> define my own language where "You are a poopy-head" was in fact a
> detailed and devastatingly accurate and complete explanation for why
> Python was a better language than Lisp.

> So it is good that English restricts the expressiveness and power of
> the syntax and grammar. While we're talking English, we can both
> understand each other, and in fact people who redefine words and
> ignore the common meaning of them are often covering weaknesses in
> their arguments.

Uh, you don't talk often to non-programmers, do you? Talk a bit to
non-programmers about your programming habits, why you prefer which
programming language and so on. Everything in english. How much do
they understand?

Ever talked to skateboarders? Other people of different scenes? They
are creating new, specialized languages every day. Here in Germany a
study was published a little time ago, how few people understand
commercials and their slogans.

Do you know how many jokes work? Yes, by misunderstandings. Why is
this? Because (natural) languages have macros, operator overloading
and all this fuss.

I'm no expert, I not really studied linguistics, but I would say, you
are completley wrong.

-- 
Stefan.