Chesterton’s Fence: A Lesson in Second Order Thinking

This article appears as part of Casey Weade's Weekend Reading for Retirees series. Every Friday, Casey highlights four hand-picked articles on trending retirement topics and delivers them straight to your email inbox. Get on the list here.
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Weekend Reading

Before making drastic changes to any of your plans, it's wise to understand why things are the way they are.

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This principle, known as Chesterton's Fence, encourages us to pause and learn from the past before jumping to new solutions.

Key Points:

  • Investigate the past: Before making changes, research the reasoning behind your current plan and choices
  • Understand the purpose: Consider what needs or goals your current approach might be fulfilling, even if they aren't immediately obvious
  • Proceed with caution: Avoid making rash changes without fully understanding the potential consequences

Why It Matters: This timeless wisdom can guide your decisions. By learning from the past, you can avoid costly mistakes, make informed choices, and build a solid foundation for your future.