"worshipping the ashes, not the fire" is also very good, and very apt. Tradition is important, but what you're after is usually something that works - whether that means it "works" from a self defense perspective, or whether it "works" from the perspective of helping you understand. Worshipping the ashes of the past and not caring whether there is a fire is destructive and dangerous.
Tim, I really like the "negative checklist" idea.
"worshipping the ashes, not the fire" is also very good, and very apt. Tradition is important, but what you're after is usually something that works - whether that means it "works" from a self defense perspective, or whether it "works" from the perspective of helping you understand. Worshipping the ashes of the past and not caring whether there is a fire is destructive and dangerous.
Yep, I think we are on the same page here.