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Upon reading this, I wanted one. With inscriptions reminding me of the theoretical and the practical aspects of my craft. Maybe "λf.(λx.f (x x)) (λx.f (x x))" a
by nealabq 13y ago
Upon reading this, I wanted one. With inscriptions reminding me of the theoretical and the practical aspects of my craft. Maybe "λf.(λx.f (x x)) (λx.f (x x))" and "10 PRINT "Hello World" 20 GOTO 10".
But is that really the point? To proclaim how clever (I imagine) I am.
I think the ring is meant to be a reminder that I'm part of something bigger, something important. And that I have a responsibility to other engineers, and also to everyone else. That's why I try to make my code comprehensible to the engineer 5 years down the road. That's the "why" of open-source.
So that's why I think the ring is simple. Because individually I'm fallible and often wrong, and I need reminding.
- windsurfer 13y agoI think having the ring is one thing, but earning it is another.
- betterunix 13y agoI think the ability to explain the meaning of an inscription on the ring could serve as proof that it was earned. Going with the example that was given, if you can explain the meaning and significance of a fixed point combinator, there should be no question about your worth as a computer scientist.
- adamgravitis 13y agoIt's actually not about having "earned" it; it's not meant to be a token of having completed the degree, or having been stupendously good at some technical piece of work. It's meant as a reminder to the obligation you have to society not to cut corners on safety, and that your responsibilities to your employer do not outweigh those you have to Canadians generally.
- flashmedium 13y agoand an engineer needs a ring to remind him of the above?
- standeven 13y agoA analysis of ethical violations committed by ringed versus non-ringed engineers may be in order.
- saraid216 13y agoThe Order has been coming up on HN recently because a number of err... unethical practices are being implemented by engineers who are theoretically "just doing their job". There was a request that engineers refuse to do such jobs on ethical grounds, and this was one of the traditions pointed out as doing exactly that.
- kcbanner 13y agoYou are missing the point. The ring is about your obligation to the public.
- nealabq 13y agoYes, that's well said, and probably the most important part of being part of something greater. Thanks.