The First Mantra

The nun Satou approached master Kaimu and said, “My master spoke of a First Mantra which must guide the thoughts of Temple developers at all times. What is this mantra?”

Kaimu answered, “I create. The essence of developer-nature is to be always in the process of creation when one is at a keyboard.”

Satou arched an eyebrow suspiciously and asked, “If I merely fix defects, what am I creating?”

Kaimu answered, “Harmony.”

Satou asked, “If I refactor yet preserve behavior, what am I creating?”

Kaimu answered, “Order.”

Satou asked, “If I delete an unused project, what am I creating?”

Kaimu answered, “Disk space.”

Satou asked, “If I do nothing but browse the web, what am I creating?”

Kaimu answered, “Missed deadlines, and a job opening.”