Chesterton's Fence

 

If I were ever asked to write a book about History, I should call it Chesterton's Fence.

 

G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936) wrote that the most dangerous type of reformer was one who said: 'I see no need for this fence; I shall remove it.' Firstly, said Chesterton, establish why the fence was erected; then, and only then, might I allow you to remove it.

 

This, rather than the oft-quoted and somewhat trite 'to learn from the mistakes of the past,' is the reason I would give for the study of History.

 

I studied History as an undergraduate at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. Then I acquired a PhD in the subject at Yale University. For several years, I have worked with applicants to Oxford and Cambridge and have now shared my thoughts on YouTube: the first video in the series can be found to the left.

Having

Anybody considering an application to Oxford or Cambridge for History or related disciplines can contact me at nick.baldock@gmail.com