Quote of the Day
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.”
G. K. Chesterton, in The Thing : Why I Am A Catholic (1929)
May 2nd, 2012 at 6:32 am
Who owns the gate? I ask because only the owner will have the right to do something to the gate.
May 2nd, 2012 at 7:54 am
“Good fences make good neighbours” – Robert Frost.