Henry David Thoreau
An American author and philosopher. Some of his writings are relevant to discussions on this wiki about the social circumstances in which we programmers work -- WhyDoYouPermitThisToBeDoneToYou, etc.
Quotes:
- "Why should we be in such desperate haste to succeed, and in such desperate enterprises? If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer."
- "Most of the luxuries and many of the so-called comforts of life are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind."
A must read is his work Walden. It can be found online in many places, including here: http://www.transcendentalists.com/walden.htm