We need to upset the local optimum in order to move towards the global optimum. I once designed a computer model of a brain with just five neurons. This was capable of more than 50 billion thoughts. This would seem impossible to any mathematician or electronics engineer, and yet it is relatively easy using a biological principle which would be unknown to them. Without new ideas, civilisation stagnates.
Civilisation becomes worthy and weary.
It gets bedded down in a stable equilibrium state and refuses to budge. Yet there is a mathematical need to budge if we are to make fuller use of the resources provided by science and technology. Not at all. It has been and continues to be wonderful and highly useful. The front left wheel of a car is wonderful and essential.