“All problems in computer science can be solved by another level of indirection…
Except for the problem of too many layers of indirection.”
– David Wheeler, though often attributed to Butler Lampson, who has some great quotes, too:
“When in doubt, use brute force.”
“In handling resources, strive to avoid disaster rather than to attain an optimum.”
Lots of good stuff if you read his “Hints for Computer System Design.”
