Someone I know at google said he was once talking to Rob Pike about go and asking questions about some of the design decisions. After answering a few questions, Pike looked at him and said "Do you know who I am?". (supposedly)
You're right, and my point wasn't to attack his character but to explain the nonsense coming out of his mouth. There is a clear and simple explanation, consistent with his history, that is (perhaps unfortunately) not flattering.
However, he has a history of being insulting towards people who want to use different paradigms. So if you're going to bring that line up with anyone, bring it up with Rob Pike himself.
This is the same guy who said you don't need to know what I know (re: endianness) because you will never write a compiler. Consummate narcissism.