If you don't have a programmer friend you can lean on Seven Languages in Seven Weeks[1] by Bruce Tate will give you a nice overview of some good languages, so you can pick one that fits your way of thinking (or learn multiple languages and pick the right tool for the job for each project). You could complement that book with a nice Python primer, because this language (which is a personal favorite due to the nicely readable syntax)) isn't covered.
If you already know a bit of Lisp Clojure would be a nice match. Also, Python and Ruby are pretty much the default suggestions when people ask this kind of question. Personally, I wouldn't worry about the language choice, as long as you go with something that doesn't encourage bad habits (e.g. don't start with PHP).
If you don't have a programmer friend you can lean on Seven Languages in Seven Weeks[1] by Bruce Tate will give you a nice overview of some good languages, so you can pick one that fits your way of thinking (or learn multiple languages and pick the right tool for the job for each project). You could complement that book with a nice Python primer, because this language (which is a personal favorite due to the nicely readable syntax)) isn't covered.
If you already know a bit of Lisp Clojure would be a nice match. Also, Python and Ruby are pretty much the default suggestions when people ask this kind of question. Personally, I wouldn't worry about the language choice, as long as you go with something that doesn't encourage bad habits (e.g. don't start with PHP).
[1]: http://www.pragprog.com/titles/btlang/seven-languages-in-sev...