Halbtot? Was meinst du wohl wieviel von deinem LieblingsOS noch laufen würde, wenn die Nazis C verbieten würden? Pfff...

An apprentice software engineer approaches a Master software engineer and explains "I have been appointed lead on the next design effort. I will find unique and distinct ways of solving the problem. I have seen other implementations of the project application and I am sure I can do better." The Master merely shakes his head in pity and walks away.

A month later, the same apprentice approaches the master defeated and says "Master, the design is taking far too long. I feel like I am stuck on what should be the most trivial issues. Is there something you can give that can help me?" The Master smiles and presents the apprentice with a freshly printed copy of his latest PatternLanguage (written especially for efforts in which the apprentice was involved). The apprentice accepts the bound pages, perks up and walks away confidently.

Another month later, the same apprentice approaches the master gleefully waving the Master's PatternLanguage print-out and explains "Master, your patterns are wonderful! Not only did they give me new insight into how to solve my problems, but they imparted a great deal of wisdom on how many of my design issues were common and have been addressed time and time again by other masters. In fact, I recently finished work on a tool to automate the application of your patterns. It will be as simple as picking the right patterns and telling the tool to generate code. My manager thinks that it's great and he says that all new projects will design their applications using the tool. You, sir, are a hero!"

At this, the Master promptly takes his bound copy of the PatternLanguage away from the apprentice and rips it to shreds. He then angrily casts the torn papers to the floor, shakes his head disapprovingly, sighs, and walks away.

(KoansMetaphorsAndParables)