There was a study some years ago when the programmer/IT shortage began to be noticed (sorry I can't quote/link it). Anyway, the study noted that many of the IT people were coming from liberal Arts background (and particularly Music majors) not Computer Science. At that point in time (early 90's?) Computer Science people were daring accountant types with an education in COBOL/Fortran.

My point is that there will always be a rift between the academic programmer (functional) and the artistic programer (creative). Perl seems to provide a middle ground for the two types. We are only scratching the surface of what these machines will do for us. Both types have their place; The artistic programmer that will find the new things to do, and the functional will get it done right.

I for one enjoyed your contemplation.