Only today I've reopened my Euclid's Elements [1] and longed for the PhD days when I would read it all day long dreaming I would do maths and physics for the rest of my existence.

> building software that probably contributes to the degradation of society in exchange for generous money

Same.

https://www.amazon.com/Euclids-Elements-Euclid/dp/1888009195

I get your point, but Euclid's books are still being sold (in translation): https://www.amazon.com/Euclids-Elements-Euclid/dp/1888009195