Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

> Without knowing the full story, who knows what actually happened there Without knowing the full story, who knows what actually happened there.

Chesterton's fence:

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."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Chesterton%27s_fence



Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: