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Line 48: − + − :A parser that writes code, even if the code is only an occasional semicolon, seems like the beginning of a slippery slope to perdition. Pretty soon the Maple interface will behave like the Evil Empire's flagship word-processor, which tries to write for its unfortunate users.+
→Slope to perdition
==Slope to perdition==
==Slope to perdition==
The modern phrase, used seriously in a political or social context is simply ''slippery slope.'' The phrase "slippery slope to perdition" is also seen, but is usually ironic, as in a recent book on programming<ref>O'Farrell, Anthony Gilbert (2005), ''Introduction to Maple Programming,'' [http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0954426940&id=a6uuImAJBF4C&pg=PA56&lpg=PA56&dq=%22slippery+slope+to+perdition%22&num=100&sig=ZaqfaLy1hEVBih-K8jVic8UOjHo p. 56]</ref>
The modern phrase, used seriously in a political or social context is simply ''slippery slope.'' The phrase "slippery slope to perdition" is also seen, but is usually ironic, as in a recent book on programming:
:A parser that writes code, even if the code is only an occasional semicolon, seems like the beginning of a slippery slope to perdition. Pretty soon the Maple interface will behave like the Evil Empire's flagship word-processor, which tries to write for its unfortunate users.<ref>O'Farrell, Anthony Gilbert (2005), ''Introduction to Maple Programming,'' [http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0954426940&id=a6uuImAJBF4C&pg=PA56&lpg=PA56&dq=%22slippery+slope+to+perdition%22&num=100&sig=ZaqfaLy1hEVBih-K8jVic8UOjHo p. 56]</ref>
The 1800s provide examples of serious rhetoric using the phrase "slope to perdition." Sometimes the slope is "slippery;" in other cases the word is not used but the context ("headlong slope to perdition") implies it. An example from 1837:
The 1800s provide examples of serious rhetoric using the phrase "slope to perdition." Sometimes the slope is "slippery;" in other cases the word is not used but the context ("headlong slope to perdition") implies it. An example from 1837:
:There are points where the Christian must always stand on guard. His danger is seldom found in gross offenses... but in small indulgences, and weak compliances, where conscience rather doubts, than condemns. These gradually draw him nearer and nearer to the world, till the line of separation is lost. Many a Christian has glided down this slope to perdition.<ref>Osler, Edward (1837), ''Church and King," Smith, Elder and Co., London, [http://books.google.com/books?vid=0TsM-spLESANuCZ4&id=AScBAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA13&lpg=PA13&dq=%22slope+to+perdition%22 p. 13]</ref>
:There are points where the Christian must always stand on guard. His danger is seldom found in gross offenses... but in small indulgences, and weak compliances, where conscience rather doubts, than condemns. These gradually draw him nearer and nearer to the world, till the line of separation is lost. Many a Christian has glided down this slope to perdition.<ref>Osler, Edward (1837), ''Church and King," Smith, Elder and Co., London, [http://books.google.com/books?vid=0TsM-spLESANuCZ4&id=AScBAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA13&lpg=PA13&dq=%22slope+to+perdition%22 p. 13]</ref>