No, I poorly explained it! :)
Another example is running a business (I am not a businessman though ;)). The goal is to make a profit and continue to do. I am going to do a lot of good and bad things to reach that goal. I continue to do good things and reject the bad things. This is, of course, not an easy process, but you learn what works and what doesn't.
When you manage to successfully make a product, it is natural to continue to do the things that you have done to get to the point. You will have to change if the market changes, but I'd presume there is always lots of fundamental things that go into that business a success.
Expanding on the business analogy, there were a lot of department stores in the US that failed in the 20th century because they didn't adapt quick enough.
I think, while remaining flexible, certain things can remain as good fundamental things. Societies in the West are successful but will they adapt well enough?
RE: Why is Norway so rich? Part 2. Liberalism in Norway, Work ethic and Climate