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I found that one of the most important insights when studying how computers work on a fundamental level, is that deep down data and code don't make much difference. This realization can open the gates of looking at higher programming language concepts in a new light; even if one never delves into bare metal engineering.

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> data and code don't make much difference

You can really take this two ways: one part being about von Neuman architectures, the other side culminating in Lisp. They’re fairly separate but both interesting views on computing. Of course, the opposite viewpoints also do exist, as Harvard architectures and your favorite “blub” language is still used today…

This became apparent to me once I learned a Turing machine can compute anything λ calculus can and vice versa. Is this also also a conclusion you can reach by thinking about computer hardware? Would love to hear more about the thought process.

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