Item — HN Reader

A software engineer, a priest, and a doctor are trying to enjoying a round of golf. Ahead of them is a group playing so slowly and inexpertly that in frustration the three ask the greenkeeper for an explanation. “That’s a group of blind firefighters,” they are told. “They lost their sight saving our clubhouse last year, so we let them play for free.”

The priest says, “I will say a prayer for them tonight.”

The doctor says, “Let me ask my ophthalmologist colleagues if anything can be done for them.”

And the software engineer says, “Why can’t they play at night?”

3 comments

I'm a firefighter programmer and I liked this one.

Well looks like you just leaked Boston Dynamics' next product.

I thought all programmers are firefighters...

The way I program, I'm actually an arsonist.

The prize for being good at firefighting is being assigned more firefighting.

For a moment there I thought you were the other firefighter programmer I know.

I think there are about 4 of us on HN that are current or former firefighters (in the literal sense).

+1 more

Haha, yes, that is so typical us programmers. We always know best and ofcourse there is a simple solution that fixes everything without even having to code a single line. But what if they enjoy the feeling of the sun on the skin while golfing? What if they are not completely blind but can see dark/light shades? This makes it much easier to keep balance.

I think the joke is that we programmers don't consider such implied requirements.

…and, at times, lack empathy to a frightening extent ;-)

... what if they have to sleep in the same time as everyone else?

I get hung up by the many reasons why playing at night would be worse for them..