In reflecting on the essence of Computing Science, the author explores various perspectives on the nature of this discipline. He discusses the different ways computers can be viewed, such as industrial products, tools for international competition, or the center of philosophical and psychological questions. The author suggests that for computing to thrive as an academic discipline, it should become a formal branch of mathematics, where methodological concerns trump knowledge of facts. He emphasizes the importance of mathematical elegance in computing, despite the challenges of achieving simplicity in a world that values complexity. Ultimately, he urges individuals to find reward in the pursuit of elegance and simplicity in their work.
https://www.cs.utexas.edu/~EWD/transcriptions/EWD08xx/EWD896.html