Which is better, dynamic or static typing?  For many years, this question has divided programmers, often bitterly. What are the advantages (and disadvantages) of the different approaches of typing, and how can we advocate for an approach without being blind to the trade-offs associated with that approach? In this talk, David Greenberg surveys a number of languages, approaches, and trade-offs,  and how we can think about static vs. dynamic typing without getting into crazy arguments. Moreover, he describes how static typing can be seen as a benefit, rather than a straitjacket, as many dynamic-language aficionados might believe.