> Was there ever a software build twice, the same way? Even if you copy software it is somehow different.
Only a German could write this. And yes, that's a compliment. (oh, and sorry about the shallow generalism, but that's ok when it's a compliment, right?)
I don't think that argument would stand with any of my previous teachers/professors. But, I would have loved to see someone use that line back at school.
The first sentence because it sounds so simple but is in fact deeply philosophical. Walk around in Germany and talk to people, and keep tabs on how often you hear seemingly simple "by the way" lines that could be considered lovely life wisdoms in their own right.
The second sentence because Germany, for me, is a country of culture, activism and the Piratenpartei (1). Copying something, sec, is basically the definition of not changing it. Saying that it is a change supports the ideas of freedom of culture, sharing, the kopimi movement, and so on. "Hey, it's a copy, so that's kind of like a remix, right?". Other than that, the sentence suggests that a thing isn't really anything at all when seen apart from its context, so copying something indeed very much changes it. That, again, is one such beautifully deep observation said in such a casual way. tab, tab.
Finally, if you read it all aloud it just sounds weird. Until you read it with a German accent. It sounds great with a German accent.
Full disclosure: I'm Dutch. The Dutch were once found, in a survey from the German exterior ministry, to be the people most fond of Germans of all countries neighbouring Germany (lost reference, but not making this up). I'm also very fond of schnitzel and currywurst.
(1) I know the Swedes started it, but that's besides the point. Germany is also the country where 4chan users actually go outside, wearing Guy Fawkes masks, to hand out flyers against Scientology. 4chan users. Outside.
Deeply believing in something and standing for it is very common in Germany.
I am the author of the blog post.
Thank you very much, I take it as a huge compliment.
I am not sure if what you said is to be generalized. I am afraid, the image of germany being a deeply philosophical nation of thinkers cannot stand at detailled observation.
But I can say, two things:
First, I try to write short sentences which are straight. My english skills are OK in conversations, but I am far from being a great writer. It takes me a lot of time to write, and almost in every sentence you can hear the german in me. Maybe this creates a specific atmosphere in what I write. But I cannot judge this.
Second, I am studying psychology and thus have to read a lot of philosophical and cultural text. I enjoy it very much and try to learn about cultural aspect as much as possible. I am also a Zen buddhist in real life (not only saying in the post) and learn a lot from my teachers. It all makes me think.
It honors me that you attribute the deep thinking in what I wrote. Again, thank you very much for your comment, it makes me feel good.
Only a German could write this. And yes, that's a compliment. (oh, and sorry about the shallow generalism, but that's ok when it's a compliment, right?)