You see, in a similar interview I'd probably mention quantum mechanics but the truth is that [censored] years after I learned it I know nothing about quantum mechanics.
Ah, but quantum mechanics is worth learning for a different reason -- the profound enlightenment experience you will have when you finally get it. That experience will make you a better thinker for the rest of your days, even if you never actually use quantum mechanics itself a lot.
Really? I got 2 classes on QM. I got no enlightenment, and it mostly made me feel that we had reached the limits of what one can reasonably attempt with pen-and-paper mathematics. Seriously, how many "corrections" do they need to make in order to get a "good enough" hydrogen atom? Not to mention all of the dubious math.
Learning the basics was interesting. The postulates, and all. But that was what, 5 classes? I strongly discourage anyone from going any further. Not worth it. Go study algebra instead, at least, no leap-of-faith approximations are involved.
Eh, I had spotted the reference, but thought you were serious. QM was the dark ages of my uni years, so I'm more suceptible to it than I should be, I guess :)
The problem is that there's nothing in Microsoft's technologies and APIs that would be in any way related to Lisp, or Lisp thinking if you wish. So what's so lispy about Bill Gates? :)
I wasn't validating either. Gates is a smart man, so I'm sure he appreciates the power of Lisp. It's interesting that he knows a great language and and built a company that used a weaker language to create an even weaker result. It's like finding out that in his spare time, John Grisham pores over Bleak House.
