Best practices evolve. Even though they change, they tend to change in the direction of "better", not "worse".

The novice thinks he is an individual.

The novice says: "Best practices are always changing; why bother adhering to something that I know will change? I am free to do what I feel like without referring to best practices."

This is not freedom; it is license.

The master realizes he stands at the end of a long trail of experience and knowledge from others, that surpasses his own personal experience and knowledge.

The master says: "This is my current understanding; these are my expected circumstances; these are the known best practices; these are their tradeoffs. I will choose the best practice I can for the tradeoffs I am willing to endure."

This is not slavery; it is clear thinking.

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