Explaining the Adage "Common Sense Is Not That
Common"
The phrase "common sense is not that common" is a timeless
observation that underscores a paradoxical truth about human
behavior: what we assume to be universal, straightforward
reasoning is often absent in practice. Often attributed to the
French philosopher Voltaire (though its exact origins are debated,
with similar sentiments appearing in works by authors like
Thomas Paine and even earlier thinkers), this adage serves as a
reminder that basic practical judgment—rooted in logic,
experience, and foresight—is surprisingly scarce. In a world where
information overload and complexity abound, people frequently
overlook the obvious, leading to errors that could have been
easily avoided. This essay delves into the meaning, reasons,
examples, and broader implications of this saying, illustrating why
it resonates across cultures and eras.
At its core, the adage highlights the gap between "common
sense" as an ideal and its real-world application. Common sense
refers to the innate ability to make sound decisions based on
everyday knowledge without needing specialized expertise. It's
the voice that tells you not to touch a hot stove or to save money
for unexpected expenses. Yet, as the phrase suggests, this isn't
as "common" as we'd like to believe. Psychologists like Daniel
Kahneman, in his book Thinking, Fast and Slow, explain this
through cognitive biases. Our brains rely on two systems: System
1 (fast, intuitive thinking) and System 2 (slow, analytical
reasoning). Common sense should bridge these, but biases like
confirmation bias—where we favor information that aligns with
our beliefs—or the availability heuristic—judging likelihood based
on recent examples—often derail it. For instance, during the
COVID-19 pandemic, many ignored basic precautions like mask-
wearing, despite overwhelming evidence, because emotional
impulses overrode rational judgment.
Why is common sense so elusive? One reason is education and
environment. In modern society, we're bombarded with
specialized knowledge, but this can crowd out fundamental
wisdom. Schools emphasize rote learning over critical thinking,
leaving graduates ill-equipped for real-life scenarios. Cultural
factors play a role too; in individualistic societies, people might
prioritize personal gain over collective good sense, as seen in
environmental neglect where short-term profits trump long-term
sustainability. Additionally, stress and haste exacerbate the issue.
Under pressure, we default to knee-jerk reactions rather than
pausing to apply basic logic. Evolutionary psychology suggests
our brains are wired for survival in ancient environments, not the
nuanced challenges of today, like navigating digital
misinformation.
Real-world examples abound. In business, companies like
Blockbuster failed to adapt to streaming because executives
dismissed the "obvious" shift in consumer behavior as a fad. On a
personal level, consider someone who repeatedly falls for
phishing scams despite knowing better—common sense dictates
skepticism toward unsolicited emails, yet it's not applied. Traffic
accidents often stem from lapses like texting while driving, where
the risk is evident but ignored. Even in politics, leaders make
decisions that defy basic reasoning, such as ignoring expert
advice on climate change, leading to widespread consequences.
The implications of this rarity are profound. It fosters inefficiency,
conflict, and progress stagnation. Societies that cultivate common
sense through education, mindfulness practices, or policies
encouraging reflection— like Singapore's emphasis on practical
life skills in schooling—tend to thrive. On an individual level,
recognizing this adage can promote humility and self-awareness,
encouraging us to question assumptions and seek diverse
perspectives.
In conclusion, "common sense is not that common" isn't just witty
cynicism; it's a call to action. By understanding its roots in human
psychology and society, we can strive to make it more prevalent.
Embracing tools like checklists (as advocated by surgeon Atul
Gawande in The Checklist Manifesto) or fostering open dialogue
can bridge the gap. Ultimately, in an increasingly complex world,
reclaiming common sense could prevent countless mishaps,
proving that what seems basic is, in fact, a rare and valuable
asset. (Word count: 512)
