Conformity is the main theme of the story. People tend to conform to their cultures, and the same is true about computer programmers. Daniel observes that the culture changes from generation to generation, and even within a generation depending on the corporation. The term "corporate culture" has been coined to reflect this phenomenon. He also notices that the kinds of people attracted to programming share many common traits, such as not having a real life. This means that the job takes up all attention and energy, leaving nothing left for the usual activities in an adult human's life.