I mostly agree, but on the subject of languages we differ. I think it's critical to be able to think in languages outside your "favorite" language's paradigms.

I mostly agree, but on the subject of languages we differ. I think it's critical to be able to think in languages outside your "favorite" language's paradigms. Java and similar languages, in particular, force you into a depressingly narrow range of looking at problems, and it will hurt your programming skills.