Common Sense

Common sense, which is not so common anymore, is simply stopping and using our heads. Understanding it's value and applying it will keep our lives from being complicated and confused. Common sense is sound logic, sensible reasoning or simple equations. The end result is practical wisdom.

Sometimes we get so educated that we can’t even think in a practical way. Common sense is the ability to reason out problems and find practical and sensible ways to overcome them. Education is important, but without common sense it loses much of its value. If we blend our dreams and goals with common sense they are more likely to come true rather than remaining just a dream.

We are taught how to do things in a certain way and this way becomes common to us, until someone finds a simpler or better way of doing it. Common sense would then tell us to change our ways. Habits or tradition can stifle our personal growth and keep us bound by those traditions. Religious beliefs can stand in the way of progress as well because we refuse to follow truth or common sense. A nation’s culture may tolerate bribes, lying and cheating, common sense however, would tell us not to do it because it is morally wrong and will hurt us as individuals as well as our society.

We learn more by imitating than by formal teaching. Some principles may be practiced subconsciously before they are formally taught. Whatever people do, whether it is right or wrong, soon becomes accepted practice by many. Sometimes we must go through bad experiences in order to learn the truth about common sense.

The opposite of common sense would be stupidity. How many times have you heard someone say, “I was so stupid”? If we follow that which we know is right, it is usually common sense. Our plans can be so rigid that we forget to listen to our heart, which is normally suggesting the use of common sense. Our minds can get so pumped up that we get on a high and get out of touch with ourselves and reality and do stupid things.

No family, business or nation can survive without common sense as a part of their planned strategies. Common sense will suggest change or adjustment as you proceed.

1. We are better prepared to adapt to change in the way we do things.

2. We stay alert to the changes in the world.

3. We will detect gimmicks and over representation of products.

4. We become known for a practical mind and good logic.

1. Always be sensitive to your gut feeling (common sense). Through life’s experiences we calculate and observe things which have created common sense in us. It may not always be right, or may only be a warning that we are entering an unfamiliar area, but you will discover things as you go. Think twice before you act, this gives your common sense an opportunity to speak to you, keep balance and protect you.

2. Do what you know is the right thing to do. That is usually common sense, the opposite of which is stupidity or foolishness. There is a proverb that states, “The person without common sense may wind up dead.”

3. Learn to think in a practical way. Education doesn’t always provide practical sense, don’t lose your touch with reality. By using common sense you will gain credibility from others.

4. Go beyond what is common and ordinary. Avoid remaining in a situation that may have the tendency to cause you to be mediocre or corrupt. Learn to be simple and transparent with your thoughts and actions. Break barriers that are keeping you paralyzed by using common sense. Be open to changes and adjustments.

Life was not intended to be complicated. If we separate ourselves from common sense, simplicity can disappear and then we get lost in confusion. There are moments in life in which we lose balance because of the different arenas of our lives and our minds are under a lot of pressure. In these moments, stop and ask yourself, “What is the right thing to do?”

Common sense will make some recommendations.

A mind once expanded by truth and common sense will never revert back to its original dimensions.

We were born with our eyes closed and our mouths open and it takes a lifetime to reverse it.

What is the difference between common sense and knowledge?

Share a situation in which you have used common sense. What were the results?

How can you develop more common sense?