I found that learning lisp development follows logically from using emacs. To configure emacs you have to use elisp, so you naturally become proficient in it.

I found that learning lisp development follows logically from using emacs. To configure emacs you have to use elisp, so you naturally become proficient in it. That also finally elucidated the staying power of emacs. I don’t know of any other software system that has the same introspective capabilities as emacs. That makes learning and modifying emacs a natural extension of whatever you’re doing.