Computing Reviews
Today's Issue Hot Topics Search Browse Recommended My Account Log In
Home Topics Titles Quotes Blog Featured Help
Search

Cover Quote: October 1985

On my way to Reno I tried to imagine what Wirth would be like. I had a few clues: there’s a famous story about his reply when asked how to pronounce his name.

“You can call me by name, or you can call me by value,” he is supposed to have answered. “If you call me by name, it is ‘VIRT.’ If you call me by value, it is ‘Worth.’ ”

I can’t confirm that Wirth ever actually said anything like that. I think I do not know another pun that exploits three languages (German, English, and Pascal).…



- Jerry Pournelle
Computing at Chaos Manor: Come to the Faire, 1985
Send Your Comments
Contact Us
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.   Copyright 1999-2024 ThinkLoud®
Terms of Use
| Privacy Policy