[hatsix]

I know it's not software-engineering-only, but Chesterton's Fence is often the first 'law' I teach interns and new hires: https://fs.blog/chestertons-fence/

[ericmcer]

They have "Law of Unintended Consequences" on this list which describes the same phenomena.

I always liked the fence story better though.

[jrmiii]

Found your comment by searching to see if anyone mentioned it. Really key in legacy systems.

[computerdork]

This is one of my biggest principles too, "think before you do."

[sltr]

the corollary of Chesterton's Fence is also valuable: don't go putting up unnecessary fences, because others won't be able to take them down