SICP, other texts

What's the big deal with SICP? Why does /prog/ recommend it for people learning programming? Is it because of the general outlook it gives you on programming (ex: programs aren't just instructions for a computer, but rather methodological paths to implement goals) and therefore gives a better understanding of how programming isn't a task but instead a definition that goes beyond computing? Is it because the language gives you insight into the fact that there are many different ways to get something done, unlike "modern" languages that simplify the API-calling-API-calling-API-calling-API system such that many programmers no longer have any idea of what they're actually doing?

Are there any other books or learning tools that /prog/ would recommend for functional (not functional vs imperative, but functional as in getting-things-done) learning?

Finally, what do the people of /prog/ do with their knowledge in programming with respect to computers and software? Hackers, task-men, etc.?

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