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I found a quote recently by G.K. Chesterton about this that I really like. "In the matter of reforming things, as distinct from deforming them, there is one pl

I found a quote recently by G.K. Chesterton about this that I really like. "In the matter of reforming things, as distinct from deforming them, there is one plain and simple principle; a principle which will probably be called a paradox. 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."[1] [1] http://www.chesterton.org/taking-a-fence-down/ http://www.chesterton.org/taking-a-fence-down/

herge 11y ago
Sounds like a great way to start a fight with a monkey in a cage.
- marcosdumay 11y ago
  Nobody builds a fence for no reason. Keep in mind that he isn't implying that it was a good reason, just that there's a reason why it's there and you should understand that reason before taking it down. I can't get to completely agree with it, but the completely opposite idea that you should just not care is stupid.
GrinningFool 11y ago
That used a lot of words to say very little.
- simoncion 11y ago
  It appears to be less true now than in days past, but humans are -first and foremost- storytellers. we like to tell stories, we like to listen to stories, and we -often- better remember lessons imparted in the form of a story. Moreover, if you're trying to alter someone's opinion about the truth of a matter, you almost always need bolster your core argument with supplemental material. You often don't know much about your listener's background, you probably don't know what motivates him, and he may very well be opposed to your core argument for entirely unreasonable reasons. It's often best to surround your core argument with a large, somewhat varied structure, so that many folks will find some way to latch on to it.

herge 11y ago

Sounds like a great way to start a fight with a monkey in a cage.

marcosdumay 11y ago
Nobody builds a fence for no reason. Keep in mind that he isn't implying that it was a good reason, just that there's a reason why it's there and you should understand that reason before taking it down. I can't get to completely agree with it, but the completely opposite idea that you should just not care is stupid.

GrinningFool 11y ago

That used a lot of words to say very little.

simoncion 11y ago
It appears to be less true now than in days past, but humans are -first and foremost- storytellers. we like to tell stories, we like to listen to stories, and we -often- better remember lessons imparted in the form of a story. Moreover, if you're trying to alter someone's opinion about the truth of a matter, you almost always need bolster your core argument with supplemental material. You often don't know much about your listener's background, you probably don't know what motivates him, and he may very well be opposed to your core argument for entirely unreasonable reasons. It's often best to surround your core argument with a large, somewhat varied structure, so that many folks will find some way to latch on to it.