It goes against the grain of modern education to teach students to program. What fun is there to making plans, acquiring discipline, organizing thoughts, devoting attention to detail, and learning to be self critical.

The quote, "It goes against the grain of modern education to teach students to program. What fun is there to making plans, acquiring discipline, organizing thoughts, devoting attention to detail, and learning to be self critical," by Alan Perlis, critiques the traditional approach to education and the undervaluing of programming as a skill. Perlis, a pioneering computer scientist, highlights the contrast between the skills involved in programming and those emphasized in standard education. He suggests that the structured, disciplined nature of programming goes against the more conventional and less rigorous aspects of education systems.

Perlis emphasizes how programming requires students to engage in planning, organization, and attention to detail, which are not always valued in traditional educational environments. He questions why such disciplines—such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and the ability to self-reflect—are not given more importance in shaping the minds of students. By pointing out these aspects of programming, he underscores its potential to foster personal growth and cognitive development that can go beyond technical skills.

The quote also reflects Perlis’s perspective on the fun and satisfaction found in learning programming. While many might see coding as a tedious task, Perlis sees it as an opportunity to develop deeper cognitive skills that require focus and self-criticism. His view challenges the notion that education should be easy and enjoyable in every aspect, encouraging a perspective that sees the value in effort and discipline for personal growth.

Ultimately, Perlis’s statement calls for a shift in how education is viewed. He advocates for an approach that embraces rigorous thinking, structured learning, and the development of skills like self-criticism and organization. By introducing programming into education, Perlis sees an opportunity to equip students with valuable tools that go beyond simply learning how to code, offering lifelong lessons in discipline and critical thought.