I think that is the author talking about how (in their opinion) Python has gone from an elegant language that a beginner could easily learn, and understand, to

I think that is the author talking about how (in their opinion) Python has gone from an elegant language that a beginner could easily learn, and understand, to a confusing stringy one that is difficult to follow. The beauty of Python is that you can learn it quickly, and then it can take you anywhere you want to go. That is quite the accomplishment, and that is why it is the perfect language for beginners. I think the authors statement is meant to contrast those properties with node.js, which imho has neither of the, and is also asynchronous by default; something I think makes it unnecessarily difficult for first-language learners to approach.