They are an excellent way to compare and contrast one thing with another. In essence, Smalltalk is a programming language focused on human beings rather than the computer. Smalltalk uses a simplified version of English. Nouns and verbs. Object are the nouns.
Verbs are messages sent from one object to the next.
It is no longer necessary to write cryptic programs. This means that almost anyone can learn to write Smalltalk programs. The technology is not driving the market anymore. The iMac comes in five colors. Cincom has the distinction of being the only Smalltalk vendor with three, yes three, versions of Smalltalk that they support.