--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: [Consider] a fence or gate erected across…" description: "\"[Consider] 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 c..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/286/gilbert-k-chesterton-223_answers_consider-a-fence-or-gate-erected-across_1311608.jpg" --- # \[Consider\] a fence or gate erected across a road\] The more… ![“[Consider] 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…” quote by Gilbert K. Chesterton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/286/gilbert-k-chesterton-223_answers_consider-a-fence-or-gate-erected-across_1311608.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/286/gilbert-k-chesterton-223_answers_consider-a-fence-or-gate-erected-across_1311608.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/286/gilbert-k-chesterton-223_answers_consider-a-fence-or-gate-erected-across_1311608.jpg) > “\[Consider\] 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."” [Gilbert K. Chesterton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gilbert-k-chesterton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Reformers should not destroy institutions before understanding their purpose; thoughtful analysis precedes change. **In simple terms:** Understand before you dismantle. Key Takeaway Consider purpose before acting. Themes reform analysis change tradition Mood cautious analytical Type philosophical advisory When to use this quote - policy reform - urban planning - organizational restructuring Key Concepts critical thinking institutional memory philosophy Questions to Reflect On - What function does the existing system serve? - How can you test its value before altering it? A Different Perspective Blind removal can cause unintended harm. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Going away](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/going-away/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [Reformers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reformers/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [“There exists in such a case a certain institution or law; let us say for the sake of simplicity, a fence or gate erected…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/g-k-chesterton/there-exists-in-such-a-case-a-certain-institution-or-law-let-us-say/) [G.K. Chesterton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/g-k-chesterton/) > [“In the matter of reforming things, as distinct from deforming them, there is one plain and simple principle; a principle which will probably be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/g-k-chesterton/in-the-matter-of-reforming-things-as-distinct-from-deforming-them/) [G.K. 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