"We want to assure you that:
You will enjoy computing. [Whether you like it or not]
You will find it easy as well as enjoyable.
You shouldn't be afraid of the computer. You are smarter than it is. So is your parakeet, for that matter. [No kidding!]
You make mistakes as you learn. The computer will not laugh at you. [Actually, it's the other way round]
Your mistakes will not do any harm to the computer. You can't break it by pushing the 'wrong' button. [in fact, it'll break by itself]
You are about to take a giant step into the future. Everyone will soon be using computers in every part of their daily lives, and you will have a head start. [More like a head ache!]"
-- Sinclair ZX81user's manual