Tearing Down Fences

You all know I love a good metaphor. I was reminded of a great one while reading What Never Happened: A Thriller, by Rachel Howzell Hall this morning. A reference was made to Robert Frost having said, “Don’t ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up.” Frost was emphasizing the importance of understanding the reasons behind certain boundaries or restrictions before dismantling them. This metaphor encourages thoughtful consideration and analysis before making any changes or decisions. Frost suggested that before we remove or challenge established rules or structures, we should fully comprehend their purpose and potential consequences.

Understanding the intended purpose will give us a better idea of whether the fence is still relevant or if there are alternative solutions. Once we understand the original purpose, we can evaluate whether the metaphorical fence still serves its intended function. This metaphor also reminds us to seek others’ perspectives and opinions on whether the fence should be taken down or challenged. This can help us to make decisions that are made collectively and with a broader understanding of the situation.

Byron's Babbles