So I agree that is a provocative essay. A more generous interpretation of what the writer means might be: - a broad social interaction is vital if are to lead

So I agree that is a provocative essay. A more generous interpretation of what the writer means might be: - a broad social interaction is vital if are to lead enriched lives, and also if we want to help others - a genuine intellectual mind is one which is curious about learning in varied forms (in point of fact, a lot of good programmers are musicians too) Now, even if you agree with the above, it doesn't follow that programming is especially bad compared to other ways people spend their time. Playing Farmville all day, as you argue, is not likely to be conducive to the good life or society either. Not that either hacking late at night, or Farmville are bad - it's more the point the article makes about addiction I guess, and lack of balance or outward-turning in our lives. Sounds like a load of pretentious waffle, but hopefully some of that makes sense or conveys some of what (I think) the article is saying.