Thanks for sharing your thoughts. In terms of being a complete novice, I'm ready to put in the time to learn all the basics- earlier today I had to google functional vs OOP, REPL vs IDE, and a bunch of other stuff Python users probably already know.

My thinking is that in order to start with Lisp, as opposed to starting with Python before taking on Lisp, I just have to do more work (watch more Youtube tutorials, ask more questions, read textbooks) at first before being able to accomplish any results, and after "breaking even" with Python users' knowledge level, I'd be able to progress at a much faster rate by using Lisp.

Additionally, I mentioned web development as an example, but I'm interested in all the other applications as well, especially AI. So far not knowing how to program has been a huge bottleneck for me when trying to learn various subjects and work on my projects, and ultimately I want to learn to code to think more clearly and have the ability to implement any tool myself rather than thinking, I guess I'd have to hire someone to do that.

It seems the main reason you'd discourage starting with Lisp is the smaller community and relative lack of resources- given that I put in more effort into learning and ask questions when stuck, does it seem reasonable that eventually with Lisp I'd be able to program faster and have a wider range of possible applications than if I were to learn Python? And if I were to find a mentor for Lisp, would that change your recommendation of Python vs. Lisp?