[Tutor] What is "pythonic"?

[Tom Semple]

I've seen frequent reference on this list and in other Python resources to the adjective 'pythonic'. For now I am translating "pythonic" as "takes good advantage of the expressive qualities of the Python language". However, as a newcomer to the language, I'm finding this translation doesn't always allow me to understand the point that is being made (especially when there is no attempt to elaborate beyond a bland assertion that some code is or is not 'pythonic'). Can anyone suggest some resources that have a number of code examples that illustrate 'pythonic' vs. 'non-pythonic' style?

On a related question, I'd like to know more about the philosophy and history of Python. For example, I came across a quote "we are all consenting adults here" I think in explaining why it is not necessary to have type declaration statements in Python, in contrast to other strongly-typed languages. I'm looking for more of that sort of material.

Thanks,
Tom
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