The Importance of Rejoicing in Science

There are two archetypes of scientists: the true seeker who wants to live on the frontier and stay current with the latest science. The almost like common sense person say like a G.K. Chesterton type conservative who just says it's hubris and self-destructive to go searching for your white whale. Is there a synthesis between those two or are we ultimately just to choose like a temper mentally whether we want to be at the vanguard?