…here’s a chat log from a conversation I just had with a good friend. Keep in mind UNIX underpins both Mac OS X, Apple’s desktop operating system, and iOS, which runs the iPhone and the iPad.
My Friend: did you hear that the father of C and one of the inventors of UNIX passed away recently? that guy did so much more for us than that steve jobs ever did
Me: i did not. steve jobs is overrated. i don’t make light of anyone’s death but i’ll just share my philosophy with you in a photo.
My Friend: ritchie invented the programming language every reputable OS is written in
My Friend: have you ever heard of the kerrigan and ritchie book about C
My Friend: this guy was dennis ritchie
Me: i haven’t heard of him. which is further testament to the sad fact that the guys who deserve real credit are often fucked over by others
My Friend: http://www.wired.com/wiredenterprise/2011/10/thedennisritchieeffect/
My Friend: this was literally the guy who invented C and helped invent UNIX at bell labs
My Friend: very important fellow
Me: isn’t it peculiar that he died 3 days after jobs?
Me: maybe nature is trying to prove a point.
Me: that people who matter the most are the ones that we often overlook
Me: nature: “don’t believe me? here i’ll kill this guy 3 days after steve job’s and you’ll see.”
