The need for understanding

Ron Jeffries: ...when I refactor, it is without regard to the "big picture" of the system, or even of the code.

By letting loose of understanding and focussing on rote behaviour, I actually gain some minor understanding of a small part of the system, thus making progress in understanding of the complete system. One small refactoring/step at a time.

A very useful strategy when dealing with a large base of legacy code.

Interesting enough, letting loose of understanding requires a lot of courage and confidence.