Paul Dix Explains Nothing

I want to be a great hacker cont.

Quick add to the last post.  I just read something else Paul Graham put on his site about Python and great hackers.  I guess he's not saying that Java and .NET people are hacks, but merely that you're more likely to find talent with Python people.  I can't speak to this at all but it, once again, piques my interest in Python.

I want to be a "Great Hacker"...

I just read an essay Paul Graham wrote on great hackers.  It reminded me that the whole time I've been working with computers, this has been my goal.  I want to be a great hacker.

One thing about his essay that bothered me was his focus on programming languages and tools in general.  I thought that he put too much emphasis on the idea that people working with Windows languages (while he didn't mention them specifically, I'd guess he was talking about .NET and VB) and even Java were more likely than not just hacks. 

As a .NET programmer, I take a little offense to this.  I'm not claiming to be a great hacker but it's been my opinion during recent years that the tools matter less than getting the job done.  Programming holy wars are all too common and for the most part I just don't care.  One thing is certain, I need more exposure to discuss this issue intelligently. 

Mr. Graham says that many great hackers use Python.  My experience lies mainly with C# and VB.NET with some Java, Delphi and a little C++ mixed in.  None of these seemed that different to me from a high level view.  With those languages I take the stance that one may be better than another based on the specifics of the project. 

I'm tempted to pick up Python and try my hand at a few projects using it.  Am I missing the boat on a truly great programming language?  If I am to continue my quest to become a great hacker I can't ignore such a glowing endorsement for Python.  Now if I can find the time...