Chesterton's Fence: A Lesson in Thinking

Chesterton’s Fence: A Lesson in Thinking by Farnam Street.

The principle comes from a parable by G.K. Chesterton.

There exists in such a case a certain institution or law; let us say, for the sake of simplicity, a fence or gate erected across a road. The more modern type of reformer goes gaily up to it and says, “I don’t see the use of this; let us clear it away.” To which the more intelligent type of reformer will do well to answer: “If you don’t see the use of it, I certainly won’t let you clear it away. Go away and think. Then, when you can come back and tell me that you do see the use of it, I may allow you to destroy it.”

In its most concise version, Chesterton’s Fence states the following: “Do not remove a fence until you know why it was put up in the first place.”

Chesterton challenged the common belief that previous generations were foolish. If we fail to respect their judgment and understand their reasoning, we risk creating new, unexpected problems. People rarely do things without a reason, and just because we don’t understand something doesn’t mean it’s pointless.

The point is not that the status quo is always right, that every fence should remain standing. Rather, it’s that reform should be preceded by understanding and that critique should be informed by context.

The point of Chesterton’s fence is not to hold on to the past, but to ensure we understand it before moving forward. We shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss things that seem pointless without first understanding their purpose.