@GrantMeStrength BASIC (on an Apple IIe) was my first programming language and true to Dijkstra’s dire warning it really did mentally mutilate me forever.

BASIC taught me languages are first and foremost for the humans writing them. They should be easy to learn and powerful once mastered. They should be accessible and interactive.

BASIC led me to Python and then to Go. Languages I still find a joy and pleasure to use.