One should start with, "Recursive Make Considered Harmful" [0] to know where this is coming from.

The best architected use of make is in the FreeBSD build system [1,2] If you want to experience "a system" please give FreeBSD a try.

[0] http://aegis.sourceforge.net/auug97.pdf

[1] https://www.freebsd.org/doc/handbook/makeworld.html

[2] https://www.freebsd.org/doc/en/books/porters-handbook/portin...