Python
Python is a cross-platform scripting language for computer programming which supports multiple programming paradigms, including [but not limited to] procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming styles. Python's clear syntax, interpretive interface, and high level data structures make it an ideal instructional language for educational institutions, while the large number of existing libraries make it suitable to tackle almost any programming task in the professional world beyond academia.
Design Philosophy
An important goal of the Python developers is making Python fun to use; their success in achieving such has been immortalized into an XKCD comic by Randall Munroe. Even the name Python is a deliberate reminder of the value of enjoyment as it is a reference to the Monty Python comedy show. The Zen of Python page lists additional succinct aphorisms regarding the design philosophy of Python.
Cython
Though Python by itself is an interpretive scripting language, Python code [in whole or in parts] can be converted into faster C code by using a superset of Python known as Cython. Cython enables one to enjoy the beauty of Python syntax while attaining the speed of C when needed for computationally intensive tasks such as scientific simulations.