One of the best parts of Lisp is the slobber-proof syntax (except in a few well-known oft-complained-about cases). Another is that the hyperspec is published on

One of the best parts of Lisp is the slobber-proof syntax (except in a few well-known oft-complained-about cases). Another is that the hyperspec is published online. Between the two, there isn't a whole lot of memorization needed. You can still tell a pro's code over a hobbyist, but it doesn't take all that long for the distinction to blur. I guess practice is a form of memorization afterall.