All engineering and technical tasks really. I was taught to think of learning these techniques as putting tools in my toolbox. Then when a situation arises I can select which tool I think might be the best fit. No ideology, no cargo-culting, just get it done.
* We create new technology.
* There's an explosion of creativity and applications of the technology.
* This leads to an explosion in the personalities involved.
* Some of these gravitate towards the tedium and expound on it constantly.
* Some person or group automates that away and increases the ability to be creative.
* Repeat from the top.
It's always fun to watch the wheel go around though. Never any shortage of commentary on HN about it!