This is an example of the fundamental attribution error[1]. When confronted with bad code, we tend to attribute this to the dev being bad. This in turn[2] leads

This is an example of the fundamental attribution error[1]. When confronted with bad code, we tend to attribute this to the dev being bad. This in turn[2] leads to the idea that the dev is bad in general: i.e. dumb, incompetent, incorrigible by nature. If you manage to forego such thoughts (and that requires active effort!), you will often find people are much better persons, capable of much more, than you would have thought otherwise. [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_attribution_error http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_attribution_error [2] Unfortunately, I can't think of the correct term for this effect