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.

“Chesterton’s fence” is now a popular term for the havoc wreaked by overeager reformers and revolutionaries. It’s the laid-off staff who, it turns out, were slow at their own jobs because they were doing everyone else’s.