| I wish to convey to those who come after me, who may
work on Shen, a code and philosophy different from those
motivating much contemporary thought. The word 'Shen' is
Chinese for 'spirit'. The spirit of Shen is embodied in
this programming philosophy, because from it Qi and Shen
both emerged. It is quite short. The principles given
here are applied in a modern setting, but arise from very
ancient traditions and may be found in the works of the
yoga-sage Patanjali, in the martial arts and in the works
of the ancient Taoists. They reflect my personal view and
are very different from what you will read from Eric S.
Raymond and Richard Stallman. I have organised this
philosophy, in the manner of Patanjali, in a series of 7
aphorisms to which I have attached a commentary.
The Aphorisms
- Correctness
in approach arises from one-pointed focus in
solving the problem. This requires emptiness of
mind.
- To
release early and often is to pluck the fruits of
the tree before they are ripe. Few will eat the
fruit and few will return to the tree.
- To
value the created above the creators. Such a mind
must eventually destroy even itself and also what
it takes.
- To
add is nothing. To add what is already there is
less than nothing. To subtract and take away
nothing is greater. To subtract and be left with
more is true achievement.
- There
are two paths in programming; the path of power
and the path of understanding. The path of power
gives quick results and leads to stagnation. The
path of understanding gives power.
- Freedom
to change code is a benefit only when there is
discrimination.
- The
idea is more important than the platform. Flame
wars arise from not understanding this.
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