Ask HN:How do you avoid being a cog?

No language has a doom sentence on it- they're just tools. There's some languages that are definately more often found in certain "cog-ish" code production companies, which might be what you're referring to.

The best thing you can do for yourself is get familiar with most languages out there, and build a sense of generalism about yourself. If you're comfortable with learning new things, and have a portfolio to back it up, you can have enough options to avoid companies that places you in a "cog" position (If that's what you're looking for.)

The kind of programming language that stops you learning new programming languages will condemn you to being a tool.

The eduation you undertake to be truly independent is one you take part in every day for the rest of your life.