The future of software engineering

The tar pit of software engineering will continue to be sticky for a long time to come. One can expect the human race to continue attempting systems just within or just beyond our reach; and software systems are perhaps the most intricate of man's handworks. This complex craft will demand our continual development of the discipline, our learning to compose in larger units, our best use of new tools, our best adaptation of proven engineering management methods, liberal application of common sense, and a God-given humility to recognize our fallibility and limitations.

Frederick P. Brooks, Jr., "The Mythical Man-Month after 20 Years", in The Mythical Man-Month (Anniversary Ed.), 288-289.