It is more difficult to explore the full limits of the computer than with earlier gadgets. At critical points these early devices-looms, engines, generators-resisted human ignorance and stupidity. Overloaded, abused, they stopped work, stalled, broke down, blew up, and there was the end of it. Thus they set clear limits to man's ineptitudes. The limits of the computer are not so obvious. Asked a foolish question, it does not collapse; it goes on to answer a fool according to his folly. And being a fool the questioner will go on to act on the reply.-E. E. MoNSON, 1966