![the program is an abstract symbol manipulator, which can be ...](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article2.74d541386bbf.png)
Josh Beckmanthe program is an abstract symbol manipulator, which can be turned into a concrete one by supplying a computer to it. After all, it is no longer the purpose of programs to instruct our machines; these days, it is the purpose of machines to execute our programs.