The social order is a sacred right which serves as a foundation for all others. This right however, does not come from nature. It is therefore based on conventions.

— Jean-Jacques Rousseau, The Social Contract

When there are multiple users, there are multiple specifications. When there are multiple specifications, there are multiple definitions of when the program is working.

— Gerald Weinberg, The Psychology of Computer Programming

We rewarded staff for referrals—something I’ve since learned is one of the most terrible HR tactics ever invented if you want an intentionally joyful culture.

— Richard Sheridan, Joy, Inc.

We are conscious, that we ourselves, in adapting means to ends, are guided by reason and design, and that ‘tis not ignorantly nor casually we perform those actions, which tend to self-preservation, to the obtaining pleasure, and avoiding pain

— David Hume, A Treatise of Human Nature

…a clay tablet from Mesopotamia, dated to about 1700 B.C. and now in the Louvre, poses the following problem: How long will it take for a sum of money to double if invested at 20 percent interest rate compounded annually?

— Eli Maor, E