Which language should I learn?

I am considering learning a programming language.

I'm not a 'programmer' or a computer scientist but an artist, but I do have
good understanding of java and php, of several different programming
methodologies like OOP, of server-client programming, simple UI
programming, usability factors, etcetc..

Which language I should learn?

My wish list:
* The language should be available for both Windows and GNU/Linux.
* The language should be advanced enough to build complex programs for GUI
apps, graphical visualization and what not (ie. not only a scripting
language).
* The language should have a ready set of XML tools for parsing XML files,
preferably manipulating DOM trees.
* The language should have a future - learning a new language takes time
for me and I dont want that time to be wasted after only few years.
* The language should be as easy and take care of as many things for me as
possible (like garbage collection, automated memory handling..)
I have initially looked into Python and Ruby.

Python seems simple, even too simple - I am not convinced that it is more
than just a scripting language, and am wondering if it will be around in 4
years. Ruby seems sweet, but I am not convinced on its maturity level or
future.

I am wondering if there are nice, 'abstract' programming languages for
humans out there already, or do I really have to become a half-human half-
computer-scientist? (j/k)

Any comments are welcome :)
.

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