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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.
Weekend reading chestertons fence Weekend reading chestertons fence

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.