Avoid unnecessary headaches (Score 2)

Several here have suggested starting with C, C++, C# or Java. That is one option, but you should know that these languages have rather steep learning curves. Each requires you to learn a lot before you can do much. In the case of C you need to thoroughly understand pointers before you can write meaningful programs and will spend a lot of time debugging which, at a minimum, is discouraging to newcomers. Java requires you spend a lot of time learning its libraries and perhaps 100s of APIs and how they relate before you can write more than just simple programs. All four languages are powerful, but there is, IMO, a smarter way to learn the basics.

Begin by learning data structures and how and when you can use them to good advantage. Learn to program the basic constructs (loops, conditionals, classes, etc) and how to develop algorithms. Integrate those concepts and write a few programs. Use a language that is easy to learn. You don't need to get tripped up early with nuances not related to what you are trying to learn. Numerous books and free tutorials are available.

After mastering the basics it is time to decide in what area(s) you'd like to specialize. What do you envision yourself doing eventually, web development, robotics, financial applications, user interfaces, networking, image processing, cryptography, artificial intelligence, databases, GIS, games, or ??? The list is endless. Learn the languages best suited for that domain.

Personally, I've used 30+ languages over the last 55 years and IHMO, the clear winner is Python. It is easy to learn and your programs will come to life sooner with less effort. At the same time, Python is powerful with rich libraries supporting pretty much anything programming students would want to do. I could go on but the important take-a-way is that while Python is an excellent choice for learning programing concepts and data structures, you need not learn another language to experiment with advanced computer science concepts. Once the basics are under your belt, I would suggest you take the time to become acquainted with C. It will teach most of the other concepts that Python cannot. Between them the world can be your playground.

Learning your toolset is just as important as the languages. Your #1 tool will be your text editor. Find one you are really comfortable with. Learn how to write good comments and documentation. A debugger, an IDE, and a version control system also have their proper place.

After you master the basics you can move into your area of specialty. You should now be well prepared to transition into C, C++, C#, Java, SQL, HTML, JavaScript, PHP, or ??? In fact, some of these languages integrate nicely with Python allowing programs to enjoy the strengths of each.

And remember to come up for air periodically. Some folks forget that.