>So assuming someone did want to want to learn to think differently what
>would you go with? Ruby, Python, Smalltalk?

I prefer Smalltalk. But it doesn't matter what I prefer. You should
choose a language based on who is around you. Do you know somebody who
is a fan of one of these languages? Could you talk regularly with this
person? Better yet, could you do a project with this person?

By far the best way to learn a language is to work with an expert in it.
You should pick a language based on people who you know. One expert is
all it takes, but you need one.

The best situation is where you work regularly with the expert on a
project using the language, even if it is only every Thursday night.
It would be almost as good if you would work on the project on your
own but bring code samples to the expert when you have lunch twice a
week.

It is possible to learn a language on your own, but it takes a long
time to learn the spirit of a language unless you interact with experts.

-Ralph Johnson