Lambdas are intentionally kneecapped in python because Guido van Robson doesn't want to make a functional language. (As in "functional programming", not that it doesn't work.)
"I don't think it makes much sense to try to add "functional" primitives to Python, because the reason those primitives work well in functional languages don't apply to Python, and they make the code pretty unreadable for people who aren't used to functional languages (which means most programmers). I also don't think that the current crop of functional languages is ready for mainstream." https://developers.slashdot.org/story/13/08/25/2115204/inter...
If he kneecapped an advancement for the language intentionally, then, well, yikes! It's a tautology to say that it isn't bad because the creator said it shouldn't be there. That's not what you want to see from leadership.
Ruby has `do … end` blocks that are readable and greatly improve the language, without turning it into a "functional" language.