I just came across this today,in a book about Leeds-built steam railway locomotives,and would like to share it with you,as I feel it has some relevance here;

                           "....tradition,properly regarded,is like an endless ladder presenting a perpetual challenge to the climber,but upon which it is fatal to stand still. It is not a flight of steps with a comfortable seat at the top."

L T C Rolt    " A Hunslet Hundred"

               David and Charles : Dawlish MacDonald : London 1964