The terminal is such a wonderful environment. It makes many tasks joyful.

I think it stems from its simplicity and logic.

You have a simple grid of characters. You type the name of a program, hit enter, and the computer executes it. The output of the program is written below your prompt. Below the output, you can execute the next program. You can chain output and input of programs, allowing all kinds of data flows. The programs can also take over the whole grid and thereby allow all kinds of interfaces.

I can't think of a way to describe a window manager or a browser in similar, simple terms, which would explain the basis of all the usefulness they bring.