But doesn't that quote at the same time draw the very distinction between math and programming that Jeff is talking about? "Knowing some math can enable you to

But doesn't that quote at the same time draw the very distinction between math and programming that Jeff is talking about? "Knowing some math can enable you to write some programs" - two separate activities, one benefiting the other. So, as a thought experiment, a non-mathematically inclined programmer with strong engineering / design aesthetics who implements an algorithm that has been prescribed by a mathematically inclined person may often produce a much better result than the mathematically inclined person would on their own. Programming is related to and benefits from mathematics, but it is not only mathematics. It brings a whole range of skills into play.