It occured to me the other day that I am a pretty good perl programmer. Or so I think. I then realized that a few months ago I thought the same thing, and yet looking back I can say that I have come a long way (certainly in no small part thanks to the Monastery).

I can certainly relate to the above statement. There are numerous instances when I thought to myself I am a pretty good programmer. For those instances of time, I was. To paraphrase Larry, I learned all I needed to accomplish my goals. When my goals changed, boss asking for yet another miracle or simply the desire to learn something new, I am forced to learn more.

Am I (are we) destined to walk this path evermore; ants on mobius?

We can leave the path anytime we desire, simply by refusing to learn more. Those who have left the path always believe they are good programmers regardless of what time and experience shows. Those of us who have hunger for more knowledge will always walk the path. I for one hope I never stray from the path.

marlowe...Another programmer amazed on how far he has come since not using strict