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857

A fairly simple concept really, but don't think I've seen it expressed as such.

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.”

A fairly simple concept really, but don't think I've seen it expressed as such. >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.”
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[–] • 3 pts

Corollary: Do not cross a fence without knowing why it is there. In my younger years working on a survey crew, I did so on one memorable occasion. We had consent to be on the land, but the owner failed to tell the party chief what the isolated pasture in his piece of forested land contained. The 5 foot barbed topped welded wire panel fence contained his ostriches - a fact I learned about 10 seconds after scaling and descending it. A small flock of 7 or 8 was about 50 yards away when I first spied them headed my way in steady fashion.

I went back over that fence much faster than I initially went over it.

[–] • 3 pts

Ostrich. Never a more foul tempered creature will you meet.

[–] • 1 pt

Oh good. I'm considering getting a couple as guard critters.

[–] • 2 pts

May the gods have mercy upon you.

[–] • 1 pt

Fuck those birds indeed.

[–] • 0 pt

Fuck those birds indeed.

With a baseball bat.

[–] • 2 pts
[–] • 0 pt

Today I also learned: Ostriches think they are cyclists.