LessWrong (Curated & Popular) “Chesterton’s Missing Fence” by jasoncrawford
Sep 15, 2025
Explore the intriguing idea of 'Chesterton's Missing Fence,' which highlights the importance of understanding the reasons behind established structures before making changes. The discussion dives into how reformers often overlook the implications of removing systems that once served a purpose. Instead of impulsively restoring what was taken down, there’s a call to investigate the original issues and motivations behind those structures. This thoughtful approach could lead to more effective solutions or innovative alternatives.
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Question Restoration Before Rebuilding
- If you don't know why something was removed, you can't just restore it blindly.
- The removal likely solved problems the original fence caused, so investigate before rebuilding.
Investigate Before Reinstating Rules
- Go learn what problems the fence caused before putting anything back.
- Understand why people thought we'd be better off without that particular fence and only then consider alternatives.
Removal Implies Trade-Offs
- The removed fence implies trade-offs were involved, not mere neglect.
- A new solution might be a hedgerow, chalk line, wall, or just a sign, not the original fence.