There’s a philosophical anecdote
that’s relevant to physicists today:
One must stay afloat and rebuild the boat when, out at sea, safe harbor’s far away.

The cargo is loaded, voyage begun,
and progress made can’t be abandoned now,                                                                  although it seems the work that must be done involves the ship’s revision stern to prow.

On board materials may not be best,
such as one could acquire in dry dock,
but sailors can’t afford to take a rest
nor even step back, detached, to take stock.

They must prove resourceful and full of spunk, or else the vessel they sail will be sunk.