I guess it depends on what you want to do, and what your goals are.<p>- Are you going into a school, and want to do CS, and both of those languages are in the curriculum?
- Do you want to do game development for a specific platform?
- etc...<p>If you want to learn about computer science, what it's all about, see if you like it, I would say Python over C++. As others have mentioned, it's definitely a more gentle introduction than C++ for a beginner. However, I would definitely recommend trying to learn/build/do something that you're interested in, especially if you're testing the "waters" of CS. Python is pretty cool, because there's so much you can do with it. Anything from game design to full stack dev- python can do it. Not that C++ can't do those things either, but it will be a much simpler start using Python.<p>However... if you know you want to program for the rest of your career, and you want to settle in for the long haul, then I would do as twobyfour recommended. I would start with either Python, or C (not C++). C will help you learn the underlying concepts of CS and how stuff works, so when you are using different data types in Python, you actually know what the heck is going on.<p>In the end, it depends on what you want to do. Whatever you decide, stick to it. Have a goal- like, I'll read through this Python book. Or, I'll make a breakout clone. Or something like that- once you complete the goal, decide if you want to pick another. It's all too easy to start and stop, not get anything really completed, and have an incomplete understanding. Check this out: <a href="http://norvig.com/21-days.html" rel="nofollow">http://norvig.com/21-days.html</a><p>And most of all, have fun. Don't do it if you'll be miserable. Programming should be an adventure; especially when you're learning. (hint: you're always learning)