ROGERS@uhcl.CSNET.UUCP (05/20/87)
Of all people, I think Niccolo Machiavelli said it best: Nothing is more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things. For the reformer has enemies in all those who profit by the old order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order, this luke- warmness arising partly from ... the incredulity of mankind, who do not truly believe in anything new until they have had actual experience in it. (The Prince) While Sam is correct in saying that missionaries do not usually turn a profit (recent televangelists notwithstanding), the missionary's position, if you'll pardon the pun, is that preaching to the choir is a lot easier but doesn't address the audience most in need. This is actually a worthwhile attitude, when one considers the importance of some of the projects now or soon-to-be underway. More than a few people I've run across sound like the people with which Machiavelli tangled, back in the early 1500's. (We can only assume that they are not the same people.) In all seriousness, I don't always agree with the things I read about Software Engineering education either, but it is important work, and is worthy of our support. Regards, Pat Rogers PRogers@Ada20 PS: the preceding were my own opinions ... but those of you who know me will know that I have a certain experience with missionary zeal !