Ruby has odd, once unique syntax that looks strange to anyone raised on C-like syntax, including js and java. Python is similar, simply removing redundant braces. So no ruby was not better at things most folks care about, i.e. being easy to learn.
Things that are familiar are easier to learn, it’s a fact. As someone raised on math and English notation, then industry exposure. Ruby being a odd duck did it no favors.
Python definitely found footing based on its pseudocode readability. It’s gotten a bit worse recently with too many colons and features but already made it.
