The fence is a relatively humble thing. It surrounds a property, keeping in what needs to be kept in, and keeping out what should be kept out. It is not a thing generally considered to be integral to the development of human civilization. And yet, despite appearances, the invention of the fence is intricately tied to the history of the entire world.
The early stages of human development saw mankind tilling the soil in groups without any demarcations of individual ownership. Early Germanic tribes would cultivate land, reap the harvest and then move on. This type of land use led to vast destruction of woods and soil erosion. It is against this historical backdrop that the invention of the fence occurs.
While it is impossible to trace back the specific date or place of the invention of the fence, the history of the fence shows that its invention marked a dramatic change in how humans thought about the earth. Rather than roving and effectively ransacking the landscape, humankind was now caring for it. The invention of the fence established one of the most fundamental principles of our society: respect and recognition of private property.
The invention of the fence also radically shifted human propensity towards constructive efforts and fostered long term thinking and planning of multi-generational goals. English agriculturist Arthur Young said “Give a man the secure possession of a bleak rock and he will turn it into a garden. Give him a nine years’ lease of a garden and he will convert it into a desert.”
The invention of the fence not only changed human agriculture, but is in some ways the very first establishment of human law. Functioning as a visible declaration of ownership the fence clearly states: “I am here and this land is mine.” The invention of the fence chronicles a drastic shift in both human ideology and the first formalized method of declaring ownership.
We Know Our History
At Hercules Fence Virginia Beach we’ve got our eyes on the future of fencing trends and technology while always keeping the past, and the integral function that the invention of the fence served humankind, in mind. If you live in Virginia Beach and choose Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach today, you’ll learn why we’re the best in the business. The knowledgeable people of Hercules Fence have developed a reputation since 1955 for professional service and quality installation. With over 50 years in the fence business, we are well aware that our reputation must be earned anew every day.
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Contact Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach today at (757)321-670
Source: NYU Counterblast
