THE HACKER ETHIC by hacks.mit.edu

Over many years at MIT, a "code of ethics" has evolved. This informal code is a self-enforced attitude that ensures that hacks will continue to be amusing and well-received both within and without MIT.

According to the "hacker ethic," a hack must:

# be safe
# not damage anything
# not damage anyone, either physically, mentally or emotionally
# be funny, at least to most of the people who experience it

There is no way of enforcing this code, but anything that directly contradicts it will probably not be considered a "hack" by most of the MIT community.