Considerable quote

I first came across this Chesterton passage about a year ago and found it powerful. Unfortunately I neglected to add it to my collection and have been frustrated on several occasions when I didn't have it at hand. I rediscovered it today and find it potent as ever.

 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.
~ G.K. Chesterton