@science_quotes @jcastroarnaud
I tried to make it general enough that anyone could respond, so no worries there.

[Here's a post I just happened to see that talks about the importance of measuring principles, in the context of domestic abuse: https://c.im/@psforscher@nerdculture.de/109523214049642663 ]

The thing I could have emphasized more was the dual nature of the process. When we're stuck in one, the other will suffer.

So 'letting go' cuts both ways. As you point out, often times our models run into problems, and we have to make changes. The disagreement between #experiment and #theory is a big red flag.

The default seems to be to alter the theory in some way. This is not always bad, nor is it always right. The impetus for this is our confidence in the model, fueled by various factors. The farther back the model goes, the less likely people are to challenge it, or even go back to the start for a complete review.

At the #fundamental layer of maths are simply the concept of numbers & quantity. If you're going to use them other than the way they come, the set is probably the next option.

OTOH, not doing this is also creating #HiddenAssumptions that do pass along to the higher levels. The problem with problems is that we don't always know where they're coming from!

The idea of 'continuous' reality, measured by a continuous number line populated by integers, and then modified by 'infinitely divisible units' between them in order to gain accuracy or change #scale, is the status quo that few ever bother to question.

IMO, the time to do that re-examination is exactly in circumstances like you brought up. Looking only at GR, or only at QM, we might walk away with the impression of their correctness & #universality. But when they cannot be brought to terms with each other, then the next (or at least after a century of tinkering & failing) logical area to question is in the models & structures prior to them (rinse and repeat until resolved).

Our notion of making single, #continuous measurements and being able to determine things like #simultaneity or mass-energy relations has failed in these areas.

The similarity between the theory / #measurement relationship, and between practice / 'live' performance is what I was aiming to highlight.

When not performing, all masters practice /revisit the basics on a regular basis. A good practice session 'lets go' of the conditions of a performance, and vice versa.