In "The Soul of a New Machine," author Tracy Kidder highlights the often solitary and introspective nature of computer engineering. Many engineers spend long hours in silence, contemplating complex problems and solutions. This process can involve a significant amount of time spent in isolation, whether it's pacing hallways or staring at blank pages, as they think through their ideas.

This quiet struggle contrasts with the perception of technology as a fast-paced, collaborative field. Instead, it underlines the importance of reflection and individual effort in the innovative processes that drive advancements in computer engineering. The depiction of engineers grappling with their thoughts reveals the hidden challenges behind the creation of new technology.