Meaning: Dennis Ritchie's quote, "Obviously, the person who had most influence on my career was Ken Thompson," highlights the significant impact that Ken Thompson had on Ritchie's professional trajectory. This quote is particularly significant within the context of computer science and the development of the Unix operating system.

Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie are renowned figures in the field of computer science, particularly for their work on the development of Unix and the C programming language. Their collaboration and contributions have had a profound and lasting impact on the field of computing, shaping the way modern operating systems and programming languages are developed and utilized.

Ken Thompson is widely recognized as one of the key creators of the Unix operating system. His innovative approach to operating system design and software development laid the foundation for many of the principles and concepts that are still in use today. Thompson's work on Unix revolutionized the way operating systems were designed, introducing concepts such as file system hierarchy, shell scripting, and modular design that have become fundamental to modern computing.

Dennis Ritchie, on the other hand, is celebrated for his role in the development of the C programming language, which has become one of the most influential and widely used programming languages in the world. C has been instrumental in the development of numerous software applications, operating systems, and has served as the basis for many other programming languages.

The quote by Ritchie underscores the profound impact that Ken Thompson had on his career. It reflects the mentorship, guidance, and collaboration that shaped Ritchie's professional journey and contributed to his significant contributions to the field of computer science. Thompson's influence on Ritchie's career is evident in the way they worked together on the development of Unix and the C programming language, which have had a lasting impact on the computing industry.

Ritchie's acknowledgment of Thompson's influence also speaks to the importance of mentorship and collaboration in the field of computer science. The exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experience between Thompson and Ritchie played a crucial role in the development of Unix and C, demonstrating the power of collaboration and the influence of experienced mentors in shaping the careers of aspiring computer scientists.

In conclusion, Dennis Ritchie's quote, "Obviously, the person who had most influence on my career was Ken Thompson," serves as a powerful testament to the impact of mentorship, collaboration, and the profound contributions of both individuals to the field of computer science. Their work on Unix and the C programming language has had a lasting impact on the industry, and their partnership stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and mentorship in the world of technology and innovation.