Don't compete with me: firstly, I have more experience, and secondly, I have chosen the weapons.

In this quote, Edsger Dijkstra delivers a sharp and witty reminder of the power of experience and preparation. The line, “Don’t compete with me: firstly, I have more experience, and secondly, I have chosen the weapons,” implies that any competition would be inherently unbalanced, as he not only possesses greater expertise but has also defined the terms of the engagement. This highlights the advantage that comes with both knowledge and the ability to frame a problem in one’s own terms.

The phrase underscores a key principle in intellectual and professional domains: those with deeper understanding and control over the context often dictate the outcome. Dijkstra, known for his foundational work in computer science, especially in algorithms and programming methodology, often emphasized clarity of thought and discipline over brute-force competition. His comment suggests that true mastery doesn’t just lie in doing things better but in choosing the right approach—the "weapons"—to solve a problem efficiently.

This quote reflects Dijkstra's larger philosophy as a teacher and thinker who valued elegance, precision, and structured reasoning in programming. Rather than engaging in head-to-head contests, he advocated for transforming the very nature of the challenge through deeper insight. By setting the rules or tools of engagement, the experienced thinker can often neutralize competition through strategy rather than confrontation.

Ultimately, Dijkstra’s quote serves as a subtle lesson in the importance of strategy over strength, and wisdom over speed. It encourages us to recognize that true influence lies not just in competing harder, but in thinking smarter, and approaching challenges on terms that play to one’s strengths.