Why You Should Always Use Recursion

Why read this manifesto?

To understand why you should always use recursion, you must first understand why you should always use recursion.

Case 1: The Self-Referential Nature of Understanding

To comprehend why recursion is superior, consider the following:

1. To understand complex ideas, we break them into simpler parts
2. To understand those simpler parts, we must understand recursion
3. To understand recursion, read this manifesto
4. GOTO 1

Case 2: The Proof

Let P(n) be the proposition "Recursion is the best solution for problems of size n"

To prove P(n) for all n ≥ 1:

1. Base case: For n = 1, recursion is the best solution because:

   • To prove recursion is best for n = 1
   • We must use recursion to prove it
   • Therefore, recursion is best for n = 1

2. Inductive step: Assume P(k) is true for some k ≥ 1

   • To prove P(k + 1), we must:
   • Break down the problem of size k + 1
   • Into a problem of size k (which we know is best solved with recursion)
   • Plus a problem of size 1 (which we proved is best solved with recursion)
   • Therefore, P(k + 1) must also be true
   • Q.E.D.

Case 3: Real-World Applications

Consider how to convince someone to use recursion:

1. Show them this manifesto
2. When they ask why they should believe this manifesto, show them this manifesto
3. Repeat until stack overflow or enlightenment, whichever comes first

Case 4: Counterarguments

For any argument against recursion:

1. If the argument is simple, solve it recursively
2. If the argument is complex, break it into smaller arguments
3. GOTO 1

Conclusion

You should always use recursion, because:

• To understand why, refer to the introduction
• To understand the introduction, read this conclusion
• To understand this conclusion, you must understand why you should always use recursion

Disclaimer

This manifesto may cause infinite recursion in the readers mind. In case of mental stack overflow, remember: the base case is that recursion is awesome.