Chesterton’s Fence: A Lesson in Second Order Thinking

A crucial aspect of making sound decisions is comprehending the reasoning behind past decisions. Without understanding how we arrived at a particular point, we risk exacerbating the situation. Merely viewing previous choices as the outcome of first-order thinking is insufficient when seeking to intervene in an established system. It is essential to consider whether second-order thinking was employed by the decision-makers. Their motivations for making certain choices may be more intricate than they initially appear. It is prudent to assume that they possessed knowledge or experiences that we may not be privy to, so we should avoid hasty fixes that may inadvertently worsen the situation.

Second-order thinking entails not only considering the direct consequences of our decisions but also contemplating the consequences of those consequences. While most individuals can engage in first-order thinking, which involves considering the immediate outcomes of an action, second-order thinking is more complex and time-consuming. Its difficulty and rarity make it a powerful advantage when mastered.

Second-order thinking yields extraordinary results, as does recognizing when others are employing this type of thinking. To fully grasp why this is the case, let us examine Chesterton's Fence, a heuristic inspired by a quote from G.K. Chesterton's book "The Thing." Chesterton describes a scenario where a reformer encounters a fence and fails to see its purpose. The reformer wants to remove the fence, but the intelligent reformer insists that they understand the fence's purpose before taking any action. The principle of Chesterton's Fence can be summarized as follows: Do not remove a fence until you know why it was put up in the first place.

Chesterton explains that fences are not arbitrary structures; they are carefully planned and constructed for a reason. Even if the reason may be illogical or inconsequential, it is crucial to be aware of it to avoid unintended consequences. Failure to understand the purpose of a fence can lead to second- and third-order effects that cause long-lasting damage.

Respecting previous generations' decisions and comprehending their rationale is vital to avoid creating unforeseen problems. It is a mistake to believe that previous generations were foolish and constructed fences without reason. People generally do not engage in activities without purpose. Dismissing something as pointless simply because we do not understand it can be detrimental.

For instance, the hierarchical structure within companies is often criticized, and some advocate for hierarchy-free organizations. While hierarchical systems have inherent problems, completely eliminating them without understanding their underlying reasons may lead to unintended consequences. Hierarchies exist because someone needs to make decisions and be accountable for their outcomes. Without a formal hierarchy, an invisible one emerges, which can be more complex to navigate and may result in less qualified individuals assuming control.

While it is important to challenge the status quo and explore new approaches, we must not be overly confident in dismissing seemingly pointless practices. Understanding the reasons behind established systems and structures is crucial before attempting to change them. As Robert Frost wrote in his poem "Mending Wall," "Before I built a wall, I'd ask to know what I was walling in or walling out, and to whom I was like to give offense."

Chesterton's Fence reminds us to exercise second-order thinking before intervening. It emphasizes that we should not assume we know better than those who made previous decisions and that we cannot make informed judgments without understanding the rationale behind those decisions. Before modifying a system, it is essential to fully comprehend its intricacies, including its interconnections with other aspects. Only then can we propose meaningful changes.

The original article: https://fs.blog/chestertons-fence/