A friend at work recently pointed me to a Python tutorial called Learn Python the Hard Way. It’s very basic but the later part has a little opinion chapter titled Advice from an old programmer which is worth taking the time to read. Below is one quote from this chapter.

Programming as an intellectual activity is the only art form that allows you to create interactive art. You can create projects that other people can play with and you can talk to them indirectly. No other art form is quite this interactive. Movies go out to the audience. Paintings don’t move. Code goes both ways.

Programming as a profession is only moderately interesting. It can be a good job, but if you want to make about the same money and be happier you could actually just go run a fast food joint. You are much better off using code as your secret weapon in another profession.