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#109 – Brian Kernighan: UNIX, C, AWK, AMPL, and Go Programming

Lex Fridman Podcast

ANECDOTE

Brian Kernighan's early dreams

  • Positive Experience: Brian Kernighan loved working with talented colleagues in a pleasant city during summer at Cambridge. How did this positive environment influence his career trajectory?
  • 🌱 Learning and Growth: Kernighan emphasized the value of learning and acquiring new knowledge during his time in Cambridge. What specific skills or insights did he gain that proved valuable later on?
  • 🌉 Bridge to Bell Labs: The Cambridge experience directly led to a summer job at Bell Labs, which played a significant role in his future. How did the connections and experiences at Cambridge prepare him for the opportunities at Bell Labs?
  • 🤔 No Grand Vision: Surprisingly, Kernighan didn't have a specific dream or vision for the future of computing at the time. How did this lack of a predetermined path contribute to his open-mindedness and adaptability in the field?
  • ❤️ Passion over Prediction: Kernighan's primary focus was on enjoying the work, the people, and the environment, rather than predicting the future. *How does this focus on the present and passion for the work contribute to a fulfilling career in a rapidly evolving field?
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