“Science and technology revolutionize our lives, but memory, tradition and myth frame our response.”  — Arthur M. Schlesinger

The great challenge of blending tradition and technological innovation is to not let either become an excuse. Tradition, left unexamined, may become an excuse to resist anything that might lead to growth, discovery or improvement. Humans may become fixated, if not outright addicted, to technology. Chasing the newest technology becomes an excuse to avoid the blood, sweat and tears that arise from an individual’s pursuit of creativity, innovative capacity and problem-solving ability.

Tradition has remarkable value when it serves as guideposts, inspiration and a beacon of true north principles that assist us in building lives of virtue, meaning, usefulness and service to others. However, tradition can become a choke chain that stifles active problem-solving, limits agility and adaptability amid changing conditions, and creates barriers for ensuing generations to think independently.

Likewise, technology offers a path to improved productivity, enhanced efficiency and access to tools that enhance the quality of life. However, once our relationship with technology places us on the slippery slope of dependence, a high cost may be extracted. The cost may come in declining margins even as productivity increases.

When it comes to sorting out the value of traditions and technologies, consider the following questions to guide the creation of the right blend:

Does it strengthen the foundation?

Is there a reasonable expectation for a positive return on investment?

Does it contribute to healthy relationships?

Is it aligned with true north principles?

Will it matter six months from now?

Does it limit or expand options?

Is it a sunk cost or an investment?

Is it a leash or a sail?

Does it enhance the system and better connect the dots?

Does it increase unhealthy stress?

Does it harm others?

Does it create lasting value?

What will it demand of us in the future?

What’s it for?

Who’s it for?

While some schools of thought lean heavily towards technology as the solution, others beat the drum for sticking with “the tried and true” solutions of the past — neither approach offers the best value. Rather finding the blend of innovation and tradition offers a route to progress that allows for the duality of honoring both heritage and discovery.  

In his thoughtful work, The Human Advantage, Jay Richards answers the question of what will be left for humans if everything can be automated, “The answer lies in what might sound abstract or outdated but will become even more crucial in tomorrow’s economy: human virtue.”  

Humans can choose an action that when repeated and practiced creates change. The pursuit of virtue leads to a deepening of purpose, connecting human dimensions into a more complete way of being, of learning not only the task but to embrace the process of developing emotional, physical, mental and spiritual health.  

Richards points to five virtues that bridge our most cherished heritage with our drive to innovate, virtues that facilitate building a worthy future without sacrificing our liberty.

Courage: accepting the risk of failure as part of the discovery process.

Antifragility: expecting both failure and suffering as essential parts of the journey.

Altruism: creating benefits for others.

Collaboration: engaging with others in active exploration and learning.

Creative freedom: mastering self and ego as well as the skills required to create value for others.

The road map forward is not for the faint of heart. However, the process of way-making transforms and redeems the willing. 

Editor’s note: Tom Field is a rancher from Parlin, Colo., and the director of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.