Poincare made a statement about mathematics that strikes me as true for computer science. To paraphrase:
Mathematics must always move in two directions, that of critical self-reflection and towards the study of nature. The Hilbert Challenge
I think it is important for developers to recognize both of these directions and to strive to move along them simultaneously when possible.
Many developers almost exclusively practice the "study of nature", that is, the implementation of what's required or requested. You wouldn't be a developer if you didn't write code. And in writing code, you are building the final set of requirements around the problem at hand.
Few show anything resembling 'critical self-reflection', or, improving the processes of development including the process of gathering requirements and quality assessment. For example, how many developers talk about writing tests but in actuality don't really write (m)any. Or how many blindly develop what/how they are 'told' versus seeking some gestalt with the goal set before them.
In the same sense you apply your chosen technology to a problem, you should better understand the context of the problem, whether it is knowing how a customer will use the tool or better understanding the business model of your company or product.
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