> If you ignore the practical issues of computers like size, weight, cost, heat, and so on, what do you really need in a programming language?
Got me thinking. My answer is math, comparison, hash tables and goto. Add macros and you've got anything you want.
This is a nice anthology of concepts. I remember learning many of these piecemeal from various sources and most of them were mind-blowing on first encounter. Reading through them again reminds me of that sense of wonderment.
Great article, I especially like the "full circle" part. You should mention that the numbers you've created in the end are the Church numerals.