I don't intend to "love only one language". I like several languages, each is good for its purpose. I like C++, it has its uses, I like Perl, I like Lisp (though mostly academically).

What I want to overcome is the constant feeling of "oh, I should write something in Lisp". Because maybe I shouldn't, maybe I'll be able to fill this need with Perl, and leave my liking of Lisp on the inspirational level.

Or maybe you should use the right tool for the job, no matter what the right tool is. I've never used Lisp, but I'm sure there are some things it can do better than other languages like C++ and Perl, so when those things come up, use Lisp.

    -Bryan

Uh huh. But don't forget, sometimes worse is better.

Sometimes the right tool for the job is not the best tool for the job, because of other factors, such as economics. If what I really need is a left-handed weenut wrangler, but I left that back in the shop (two hours' drive away), I might be forgiven for trying to make do with needle-nose pliers.

Similarly, if my expertise is heavily weighted toward Perl, and I'm surrounded by Java-heads, I might want to think twice about using Lisp for any job, even if it seems the ideal tool for it.

See also Worse Is Better