I can still remember that "pained" look on my grandfather's face as he would ask where the heck my "commons sense" went to----whenever I did something "stupid."
I have wrestled with this notion ever since----perhaps not consciously, until recently----especially since the mantle of "grandfather" has been passed to me. Nonetheless, the idea of living life in a "common sense" way was implanted in me when I was very young, even though today it has----for all intents and purposes----NO MEANING----at least not in the way my grandfather meant it. What he was saying was, "why the heck would you not think of doing that the way I would have done it?"
There are entire books dedicated to the notion of "common sense." Our founding fathers even justified separation from the British by appealing to "common sense." (Common Sense-by Thomas Paine)
I think in the good old days, common sense actually made more sense. Back when everyone's background and life experiences were more similar than they are today, the idea of common sense probably did make more sense.
When the world was HUGE people didn't run into people with different ideas about how to do things as often----and common sense flourished. When different people came into your world you either killed them or worshiped them----or at least had them for dinner (hopefully not literally). As the world became smaller and smaller----especially with the advent of the internet----common sense became nearly impossible. I think this loss of "common sense" is what drives some people to pull back into themselves and their immediate environment in an attempt to find that "old-school" common sense again----or perhaps merely to justify their inability and/or unwillingness to embrace change----to learn new things.
I think what is really happening is a "TRANSFORMATION" of common sense.
No longer do we have the comfortable "luxury" of exclusivity----of a pared down existence that will allow us to exclude other ideas from being added to our repertoire.
Not only does the Internet, and the general improvement of education, allow us to "know" more----we MUST know more. We seem to act as if there is some sort of limit to the amount of information that can be crammed into our brains. People who study the brain say that there are some limits to the "storage" of readily available information (like what you do to the brain when you try to cram for a final exam) as opposed to what you can absorb over an extended period of time. I am sure we have all experienced that feeling of being overwhelmed when entering a new framework of information (Take ActiveRain for example) and the next thing you know we are giving advice to the next batch of overwhelmed newbies. It almost becomes irresponsible to not strive to know more. What constitutes "common sense" has expanded astronomically----to an "enlightened" version of common sense if you will. For survival of the planet it is now desirable for the older version of common sense to become less common----"endarkened" if you will. Reversions can still be seen in the greed and selfishness that has resulted in the bailout, the predictable US auto maker fiasco, and in the fanaticism of terrorists & religions zealots all around the world. So while old-school common sense becomes less common it can still create a lot of havoc----a sort of tyranny of "common sense." This is the true cost of exclusivity.
I think what is important is to set your own pace of learning----some are sprinters, some are marathoners, and some are turtles----embrace change at your own pace---but do embrace it.
Unlike the old-school common sense, the new common sense takes a lifetime----perhaps even longer. It is not a place to arrive at, but a place always on the horizon----a place to strive for----it can actually keep us alive, as opposed to limiting our possibilities and killing us. Not having "common sense" can be seen as an opportunity----as opposed to being seen as something missing.
What version of common sense makes sense to you?
Charles Buell
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Charlie,
As has been said common sense isn't so common. I believe, as you have said, that it is learned behavior. People are inherently resistant to change. A book called Who Moved My Cheese is about how different personalities react to change. It is written in the context of the work place, but definitely applies to the world in general.
One thing I learned as a supervisor and manager is there is always more than one way to accomplish a goal. It is important to recognize that "your way" isn't the only way. You can learn just as much from the people under your supervision as they from you. This is the the cliche team approach, but it is true.
The worst managers I saw were the "it's my way or the highway" people. Caught up in their own authority, resistant to change.
Learning is a life time endeavor, like a good frirend of mine says, "the day I stop learning is the day I stop breathing." Some people seem to stop a lot sooner.
James, thanks---most people die long before their last breath:)
Charles, you've written another meaningful blog. Common sense is probably a lot like having "street smarts" vs. "book smart." You can have one without the other. I too believe in learning throughout life.
Are your comments coming through or is it just mine that are messed up?
The turtle picture is great and I may need to borrow it for a blog I plan to write.
Wow, I could have not said it better than James, very well put James. Charles very interesting aspect of today's common sense.
~ Life is Good
Wonderful post! I especially like your line about choosing your own pace at change, but to embrace it no matter what. I think we need reminders that people do have different ways/timeframes for learning. Great insight!
Barbara, the turtle is Nutsy's inspection vehicle:) Just book learning is not enough---just street smarts isn't enough---anymore.
Roy, nice to see you back in the rain.
Kristin, thanks for your comment----I came up with that because I am such a slow learner:)
Have you read "The Death of Common Sense" by Philip Howard? It's a really good read. Very thought-provoking, and full of actual cases.
It's an interesting view that common sense might have changed over the years. Even with the changes, you would think people would still have the basic common senses, but I find more and more that people didn't get in the common sense line before being born. I might not have stood in the"patience" line, but I stood in the common sense line several times.
I like the last line we must remember we all learn at different paces we are all different that is what makes the world go around. I enjoyed reading this post thanks for sharing.
Pacita, no, I hadn't heard of that book----looks interesting.
Donna, that might have to be the subject of another post. Is there a "base line" or "univeral" amount of information that could be considered mandatory of everybody.
Pat, your are welcome---glad you enjoyed it.
I think I saw that turtle the last time I was floating around on my log. Heady material for an otherwise relaxing Sunday. So what was uncommon sense is now common? Hmmmmmmm.
Jack---remember it is OK to be slow as a turtle---just stick your neck out:)
Charles - a philosophe AND a home inspector... Great combination!
Jay, hopefully I am a better inspector:)
Mr Charles,
What an encouraging blog. As I run for Senator in the State of Illinois, I am basing my campaign on my having common cents and lots of them as that is expensive.
Yours sincerely,
Nutsy
Nutsy, this only proves that you have ample "common dense" to achive your goals.
Charles, You mean to tell me that "Common Sense" is not that bucket of change setting by the register at the Jiffy Mart? Hmmmm...
**** Merry Christmas ****
Michael, I guess that is good a place as any to find some:)
Mr Charles,
I believe that with my limber and agile mind, I could learn common sense if I don't presently have it.
Nutsy
Nutsy, I think there is a clue somewhere in your name. Repeat it 100 times VERY slow and I think you will get it. Nutsy Nutsy Nutsy Nutsy .......................-----then again maybe nut.
Mr. Nutsy, As I discovered on Barbaras' blog you are in fact from another world. We all know Superman was from Krypton. You are most likely from the moon, home planet of the loonies.
James, ditto that
Char;ie -Very deep stuff here. So thought provoking. I think common sense also comes with living through the right life experiences and with those who are logical enough to think through the consequences whether spur of the moment or well thought out decisions.