To Learn to Code, or Not? That is the Question.
There is a big argument/discussion/debate going on over at Hacker News about whether the masses should learn to code.
We obviously stand in the “bring it on” camp—the more you know about the digital world around you, the better off you will be.
We wanted to give a big shout-out to Erik Hinton, writing as Esmooov on github, who wrote a fabulous post in defense of pursuing the path to universal digital literacy.
“I am only able to function in this digital wasteland of convenience— and not be dragged along sipping a slurpy — because my search space for problem solving and perception has been expanded by my learning to code.”
The truth is that people learn new skills for many reasons—and, not always with the goal of becoming a master. I, for instance, am a (very) amateur hacker, better-than-average cook, skilled mixologist, and hobbyist photographer.
I learned to do these things because I found them interesting. And, because it is human nature to want to learn new things—whether for pure pleasure or to better understand your place in the world. I’m not interested in becoming the next Andreas Gursky or Julia Child, I just find that learning, in and of itself, is rewarding.
This is the case with coding, as well. So much of what we do in our daily lives involves technology. Technology is being used not only to wake you up in the morning, but also to suggest what you should eat for breakfast; measure how productive you are at work; track your children’s activities; make you feel connected to others in your community and the world; and, do thousands of other things. Most people can’t make it through the day without somehow being touched by technology.
Seeking knowledge to build rewarding relationships with the tech in our lives is only natural.
So, as Erik says, “Learn to Program.” If only to gain a better understanding of the digital landscape in which we live.
P.S. We love any guy who is willing to man-up and teach himself how to sew! Brilliant.
