Autumn Sun ☀️🌘☯️ on Nostr: Chesterton's fence is a principle that advises against dismantling laws, practices, ...
Chesterton's fence is a principle that advises against dismantling laws, practices, or social customs without first understanding their purpose. The principle is named after G.K. Chesterton, who used the analogy of a dilapidated fence to illustrate the importance of respecting traditions and institutions even when their purpose is not immediately clear.
According to Chesterton, if you encounter a fence or gate across a road and do not see its use, the prudent course is not to tear it down but to investigate why it was built in the first place.
This principle is intended to prevent rash decisions that could have unintended negative consequences.
(Meanwhile, in the 21st Century....)
People like Trudeau make a compelling case that sodomy laws were in fact a Chesterton's Fence.
Published at
2025-04-05 21:21:22Event JSON
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