Within C++, there is a much smaller and cleaner language struggling to get out. - Bjarne Stroustrup

I'm convinced that you could design a language about a tenth of the size of C++ (whichever way you measure size) providing roughly what C++ does.

There are only two kinds of languages: the ones people complain about and the ones nobody uses.

[Corporate programming] is often done to the point where the individual is completely submerged in corporate "culture" with no outlet for unique talents and skills. Corporate practices can be directly hostile to individuals with exceptional skills and initiative in technical matters. I consider such management of technical people cruel and wasteful.