My parents had a software company making children's software for the Apple II+, Commodore 64 and Acorn computers. They hired these teenagers to program the software, and these guys were true hackers, trying to get more colors and sound and animation out of those computers.

In this quote, Bre Pettis reflects on his early exposure to computers and the world of software development through his parents' company, which created children's software for early personal computers like the Apple II+, Commodore 64, and Acorn computers. Pettis mentions how his parents hired teenagers to program the software, describing them as true hackers—individuals who pushed the limits of the hardware to create more colors, sound, and animation on these early machines. This captures the spirit of innovation and experimentation that characterized the early days of personal computing.

Pettis highlights the hacker mentality of the time, where young developers used their creativity and technical skills to overcome the limitations of early computers. The focus was not just on creating functional software but also on maximizing the capabilities of the hardware, such as enhancing visual and audio elements. This attitude toward problem-solving and innovation laid the foundation for the rapid evolution of computer graphics and gaming.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Pettis's personal background, growing up in a family involved in the early stages of computer technology. As a co-founder of MakerBot and a key figure in the 3D printing movement, Pettis has long been interested in how technology can be used creatively and accessibly. His reflection on his parents' work in the early days of personal computing provides insight into the hands-on, inventive approach that he and many others took toward technology.

Ultimately, Pettis’s quote underscores the passion and ingenuity of the early hackers and programmers who were not just working with the technology of the time but were actively shaping its development. Their willingness to explore and push the boundaries of computing power set the stage for the innovations that would later revolutionize industries like gaming, software development, and consumer electronics.