David Gerlernter, writing in the Dec 12 NYT, reviews two new books: Lessig's _The Future of Ideas_ and Steve Lohr's _GoTo_. Apparently excerpting from _GoTo_, he quotes Brian Behlendorf as saying that computer programming must be "accessible to everyone. ... Not being able to program is going to be like not being able to drive -- lacking a fundamental skill in our society." Gerlenter comments in reply: There is no more revealing quote in the whole technology literature.

All in all, a good, brief article. Worth a look.

The Computer World, Inside and Out