Common sense is a term that is often used to describe practical wisdom or the ability to make rational decisions based on one’s own experiences and understanding of the world. It is a skill that is essential in everyday life, enabling us to navigate challenges, solve problems, and make informed decisions. While common sense may seem straightforward, it is a complex and multifaceted topic that has been the subject of much debate and discussion throughout history.
In this article, we will explore the meaning of common sense, its importance, and how it can be developed and applied in various areas of life. We will also examine some myths and misconceptions surrounding common sense and explore the relationship between common sense and intelligence.�
Whether you want to improve your common sense or learn more about this fascinating topic, this article will provide a comprehensive overview of common sense and its many applications.
What is common sense?
Common sense is making practical and sound judgments based on a shared understanding of the world and its workings. It involves using reasoning, experience, and intuition to solve problems, make decisions, and navigate everyday situations. Common sense is often considered practical wisdom gained through life experiences and is not necessarily tied to formal education or specialized knowledge. It is generally considered a valuable trait that helps people make smart decisions and avoid unnecessary risks.
Common sense meaning
Here are some definitions of “common sense” from various dictionaries:
- Oxford English Dictionary: “Good sense and sound judgment in practical matters.”
- Cambridge English Dictionary: “The basic level of practical knowledge and judgment that we all need to help us live in a reasonable and safe way.”
- Collins English Dictionary: “Sound practical judgment that is independent of specialized knowledge, training, or the like; normal native intelligence.”
- Webster’s Dictionary: “Sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts.”
- Dictionary.com: “Sound practical judgment that is independent of specialized knowledge, training, or the like; normal native intelligence.”
Overall, these definitions all emphasize that common sense is a practical form of wisdom that allows individuals to make sound judgments and decisions based on their experience and intuition rather than formal education or specialized expertise. It is often seen as essential for navigating everyday situations and avoiding unnecessary risks.
Definition of Common Sense
Here are some quotes from renowned individuals about the meaning of common sense-
- “Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe, American abolitionist, and author.
- “Common sense is the most widely shared commodity in the world, for every man is convinced that he is well supplied with it.” – Rene Descartes, French philosopher, and mathematician.
- “Common sense is not so common.” – Voltaire, French Enlightenment writer, and philosopher.
- “Common sense is in spite of, not as the result of, education.” – Victor Hugo, French author, and poet.
- “The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.” – Stephen Hawking, English theoretical physicist.
These quotes suggest that common sense is a practical and valuable trait but could be challenging. It is often seen as a product of experience and intuition rather than formal education or specialized knowledge. However, it is also important to recognize common sense limits and avoid overestimating our abilities or knowledge.
Synonyms of Common Sense
Here are some synonyms of “common sense”-
- Prudence
- Sound judgment
- Practical wisdom
- Reasonableness
- Horse sense
- Good Sense
- Practicality
- Level-headedness
- Insight
- Intuition
These words convey a similar meaning to “common sense,” emphasizing practical knowledge and judgment based on experience and intuition rather than specialized knowledge or training.
What is common sense in psychology?
In psychology, common sense refers to the ability to make practical, rational decisions based on one’s experiences and understanding of the world. It involves using practical knowledge, intuition, and reasoning skills to assess a situation, determine what is likely to happen, and make the best possible choices based on that information.
Common sense is considered a soft skill, which refers to a person’s interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving abilities. It is often acquired through life experiences and is a natural part of a person’s personality and temperament. Common sense is essential daily and can be applied in various areas to help us navigate challenges, solve problems, and make informed decisions.
In psychology, common sense is often associated with practical intelligence or street smarts, distinct from academic intelligence or book smarts. It is a valuable quality that is useful in a wide range of contexts, including social interactions, decision-making, and problem-solving.
Common sense examples
Here are some examples of common sense:
- If cooking with hot oil, use oven mitts or a towel to avoid burning yourself.
- When driving, follow the speed limit, wear a seatbelt, and obey traffic signals.
- If you’re tired or ill, get enough rest and care for your health before pushing yourself too hard.
- Wear an umbrella or appropriate clothing to stay dry when it’s raining or snowing.
- Wear protective gear and follow safety guidelines when using power tools or dangerous equipment.
- If you’re saving money for a goal like buying a house or starting a business, make a budget and stick to it.
- If you’re communicating with others, listen actively, speak clearly and respectfully, and be mindful of other people’s feelings.
These common-sense examples involve practical knowledge and judgment that help individuals stay safe, healthy, and effective in their daily lives. They are based on shared knowledge and experience rather than specialized expertise.
Importance of Common Sense
Common sense is an essential skill in many different areas of life. Here are some of the critical reasons why common sense is necessary:
- Helps decision-making: Common sense enables individuals to make sound and informed decisions using practical knowledge and intuition to assess situations.
- Aids in problem-solving: Common sense helps individuals to identify and solve problems in everyday life by using reasoning skills to find practical solutions.
- Navigates social situations: Common Sense helps individuals to navigate social situations by understanding social norms and appropriate behavior.
- Promotes safety: Common sense helps individuals to identify and avoid dangerous situations and to take appropriate measures to stay safe.
- Enhances communication skills: Common sense helps individuals to communicate effectively by understanding others’ perspectives, speaking appropriately, and avoiding misunderstandings.
- Improves personal relationships: Common Sense helps individuals to build and maintain healthy relationships by being sensitive to others’ feelings, avoiding conflicts, and promoting understanding.
Overall, common sense is a valuable skill that can help individuals navigate everyday life’s complexities, make informed decisions, and build strong relationships with others. It is a practical and intuitive approach to problem-solving that can be applied in many different situations, making it an essential skill for personal and professional success.
Benefits of using common sense in decision-making
Here are some potential benefits of using common sense in decision-making:
- Improved problem-solving skills: Common sense allows us to identify and analyze problems more effectively, leading to more efficient and effective solutions.
- Increased confidence: Relying on our intuition and practical judgment can help us make decisions with greater confidence and conviction.
- Better risk management: Common sense helps us identify potential risks and make more informed decisions about mitigating or avoiding them.
- Enhanced creativity: When we use common sense, we can think outside the box and develop innovative solutions to problems.
- More efficient decision-making: By relying on intuition and practical judgment, we can make decisions more quickly and efficiently without getting bogged down in excessive analysis.
- Improved interpersonal relationships: Common sense allows us to read social cues and navigate social situations more effectively, improving our relationships with others.
- Tremendous overall success: By making more intelligent, intuitive decisions, we can achieve immense success in our personal and professional lives.
How can it be developed and applied in various areas of life?
Common sense is a skill that can be developed and applied in many different areas of life. Here are some ways in which common sense can be honed and used:
- Everyday decision-making: Paying attention to your surroundings and observing patterns and trends can help you make informed decisions. For example, using common sense while driving can help you avoid accidents and reach your destination safely.
- Problem-solving: Developing critical thinking skills and practicing creative problem-solving can help you apply common sense to find practical solutions to everyday problems.
- Social interactions: Understanding social norms and appropriate behavior can help you quickly navigate social situations. For example, using common sense when interacting with others can help you build strong relationships and avoid misunderstandings.
- Safety: Common Sense can be used to identify and avoid dangerous situations and to take appropriate measures to stay safe. For example, using common sense to avoid walking alone in a dark alleyway can help you stay out of harm’s way.
- Communication: Developing good communication skills can help you apply common sense in social situations by speaking appropriately, being sensitive to others’ feelings, and avoiding misunderstandings.
- Personal relationships: Using common sense to understand others’ perspectives, avoiding conflicts, and promoting understanding can help you build and maintain healthy relationships.
Overall, common sense is a valuable skill that can be developed and applied in many different areas of life. By being observant, reflective, and open-minded, individuals can improve their common sense and use it in various situations, from everyday decision-making to social interactions and personal relationships.
Famous quotes on common sense
Here are 50 famous quotes on common sense:
- “Common sense is not so common.” – Voltaire.
- “Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.” – Albert Einstein.
- “The simplest questions are the hardest to answer.” – Northrop Frye
- “Common sense is the foundation of all authorities, of the laws themselves, and of their construction.” – Thomas Jefferson.
- “The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence.” – Charles Bukowski.
- “Common sense is the genius of humanity.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
- “Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe.
- “The only thing more dangerous than ignorance is arrogance.” – Albert Einstein.
- “The best ideas are common property.” – Seneca.
- “Common sense is not just seeing things how they are but also seeing them how they should be.” – Anonymous.
- “A sense of humor is the one thing no one will admit to not having.” – Anonymous.
- “I have found the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it.” – Harry S. Truman.
- “Common sense is in spite of, not as the result of, education.” – Victor Hugo.
- “We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.” – Benjamin Franklin.
- “Nothing is more fairly distributed than common sense: no one thinks he needs more of it than he already has.” – René Descartes.
- “Common sense is the foundation of success.” – Miguel de Cervantes
- “The two most common elements in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity.” – Harlan Ellison.
- “Common sense is the most widely shared commodity in the world, for every man is convinced that he is well supplied with it.” – René Descartes.
- “Common sense is the most uncommon thing in the world.” – Flannery O’Connor.
- “Common sense is the knack of foreseeing consequences.” – Samuel Smiles.
- “It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- “Common sense is the most uncommon thing in the world.” – Anonymous
- “Common Sense is not a gift, it’s a punishment. Because you have to deal with everyone who doesn’t have it.” – Anonymous
- “Common sense is the ability to see things as they are, and do them as they ought to be done.” – Anonymous
- “Common sense is instinct, and enough of it is genius.” – Josh Billings.
- “There is nothing more uncommon than common sense.” – Frank Lloyd Wright.
- “Common sense is the foundation upon which all knowledge is built.” – Anonymous.
- “Common sense is the key to success in life, but it’s not very common.” – Anonymous.
- “Common sense is the best sense I know of.” – Lord Chesterfield.
- “Common sense is the master of genius.” – Johann Kaspar Lavater
- “Common sense is the most important ingredient in a successful life.” – Anonymous
- “Common sense is the greatest enemy of authority.” – Anonymous.
- “Common sense is the genius of humanity insofar as it exists.” – Anonymous.
- “Common sense is the foundation of all morality.” – Anonymous
- “Common sense is the most uncommon thing among men.” – Anonymous
- “Common sense is seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done.” – Anonymous
- “Common sense is the compass that leads to success.” – Anonymous
- “Common sense is like deodorant; the people who need it the most never use it.” – Anonymous.
- “Common sense is the best sense, but it’s not very common.” – Anonymous.
- “Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done.” – Anonymous.
- “Common sense is the foundation of all good judgment.” – Anonymous
- “Common sense is the faculty of thinking in a plain and unembarrassed manner.” – Anonymous.
- “Common sense is the foundation of all truth.” – Anonymous.
- “Common sense is the basis of all practical knowledge.” – Anonymous
- “Common sense is the foundation of all sound thinking.” – Anonymous.
- “Common sense is the best guide to living a successful life.” – Anonymous.
- “Common sense is the ability to see things as they really are.” – Anonymous.
- “Common sense is not so common, but it’s necessary for a happy life.” – Anonymous.
- “Common sense is the most valuable thing in the world, but it’s also the rarest.” – Anonymous.
- “Common sense is the foundation of all human wisdom.” – Anonymous.
These quotes illustrate the importance of common sense in navigating the world and making wise decisions while acknowledging the challenges of developing and maintaining it. These quotes also emphasize the importance of common sense in daily life and highlight the fact that it is often undervalued or overlooked. They suggest that common sense is a necessary ingredient for success but one that can be challenging to come by.
Lack of common Sense quotes
Here are some famous quotes on the lack of common sense:
- “Common sense is not so common.” – Voltaire.
- “I think the key indicator for wealth is not good grades, work ethic, or IQ. I believe it’s relationships. Ask yourself two questions: How many people do I know, and how much ransom money could I get for each one?” – Jarod Kintz.
- “There is nothing more uncommon than common sense.” – Frank Lloyd Wright.
- “The problem with common sense is that it’s not very common.” – Milt Bryce.
- “A lack of common sense is the surest way to fail at anything.” – Ramit Sethi.
- “The world is filled with stupid people. Don’t be one of them.” – Steven Magee.
- “Common sense is seeing things as they are and doing things as they ought to be.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe.
- “The only thing more dangerous than ignorance is arrogance.” – Albert Einstein.
- “The less people know, the more stubbornly they know it.” – Osho.
- “Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change. Common sense is the ability to see change coming.” – Anonymous
- “Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge.” – Charles Darwin.
- “Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.” – Albert Einstein.
- “A man without common sense is like a car without brakes.” – Maxime Lagacé.
- “There is nothing more frightful than ignorance in action.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
- “People often confuse intelligence with wisdom. They are not the same thing.” – Richard G. Scott.
- “Intelligence is not enough. It must be combined with wisdom, insight, and common sense.” – Bruce Lee.
- “The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge.” – Stephen Hawking.
- “A clever person solves a problem. A wise person avoids it.” – Albert Einstein.
- “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust.
- “Fools learn nothing from wise men, but wise men learn much from fools.” – Cato, the Elder.
What is the common sense of a person?
A person’s common sense refers to their ability to use practical and rational judgment in everyday situations. It involves making sound and logical decisions based on one’s experiences and understanding of the world. Common sense often combines knowledge, intuition, and reasoning skills to assess a situation, determine what will happen, and make the best choices based on that information. A person with good common sense is often viewed as practical, level-headed, and able to navigate challenges and solve problems effectively.
Is common sense a hard skill?
Common sense is not a hard skill. It cannot be taught through formal education or training. Hard skills are measurable abilities that can be learned and developed through training, such as typing, programming, or operating machinery. On the other hand, common sense is considered a soft skill, which refers to a person’s interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving abilities.�
While common sense is essential, it is subjective and cannot be measured or quantified like hard skills. Common sense is often acquired through life experiences and is a natural part of a person’s personality and temperament.
What are the two types of common sense?
There are generally two types of common sense: practical and theoretical.
Practical common sense refers to a person’s ability to make sound judgments and decisions based on their experiences, intuition, and knowledge. This type of common sense involves using practical, real-world knowledge and understanding to solve problems, make decisions, and navigate social situations.
Theoretical common sense refers to a person’s ability to use logical reasoning and critical thinking to make sense of abstract or theoretical concepts. This type of common sense is often associated with academic or intellectual pursuits. It involves understanding complex concepts, connecting ideas, and drawing conclusions based on evidence and logical reasoning.
Both common sense types are essential and can be applied in various areas of life to help us navigate challenges, solve problems, and make informed decisions.
Why do highly intelligent people lack common sense?
While intelligence and common sense are essential traits, they are different. Intelligence refers to a person’s cognitive abilities, including their capacity for learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and abstract thinking. Conversely, common sense involves using practical knowledge, intuition, and sound judgment to navigate everyday situations.
Some highly intelligent people may need more common sense because they focus more on abstract thinking, academic pursuits, or specialized knowledge. They may have developed different practical knowledge or social skills than others. They may also be more prone to overthinking, analysis paralysis, or perfectionism, leading to indecisiveness or a lack of practicality in everyday situations.
Additionally, some highly intelligent people may suffer from conditions such as Asperger’s syndrome, Autism spectrum disorder, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which can make it difficult for them to understand social cues or navigate social situations, leading to a lack of common sense in social contexts.
However, it is essential to note that intelligence and common sense are not mutually exclusive, and many highly intelligent people also have excellent common sense. It is a complex and multifaceted topic that depends on various factors, including individual personality, background, and life experiences.
How do you get common sense?
Common sense cannot be taught directly through formal education or training. Instead, it is a skill acquired through life experiences, observation, and trial and error. Some ways to develop and improve your common sense include:
- Pay attention to your surroundings and the people around you, and observe patterns and trends.
- Reflect on your experiences and learn from your mistakes, so you can avoid repeating them in the future.
- Seeking advice and guidance from trusted friends, family members, or mentors with more experience and knowledge than you.
- Engaging in diverse experiences and exposing yourself to different perspectives so that you can broaden your knowledge and understanding of the world.
- Practicing critical thinking and problem-solving skills and challenging yourself to think creatively and outside the box.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills allow you to interact effectively with others and easily navigate social situations.
Overall, common sense is a skill that can be developed and honed over time through practice and experience. Openness, curiosity, and willingness to learn from mistakes to improve common sense are essential.
Myths and misconceptions surrounding common sense
Several myths and misconceptions surrounding common sense can lead to misunderstandings about this important skill. Here are some of the most common myths:
- Common sense is innate: While some people may have a natural talent for common sense, it is a skill that can be developed and improved over time.
- Common sense is common to everyone: What may seem like common sense to one person may not be obvious to another, as it depends on one’s experiences and understanding of the world.
- Common sense is infallible: While common sense is a practical approach to problem-solving, it is only sometimes correct. It relies on past experiences and assumptions that may not apply to every situation.
- Common sense is the same as intelligence: While common sense is an important skill, it is not the same as intelligence, which encompasses a wide range of cognitive abilities.
- Common sense is always practical: While common sense can be a helpful approach to problem-solving, it is not always the best or most effective solution, as it may overlook creative or innovative solutions.
- Common sense is optional in specialized fields: Even in specialized areas, common sense can be a valuable skill that can help individuals make sound decisions and identify practical solutions.
Overall, common sense is an essential and multifaceted skill often misunderstood. While it is not infallible or innate, it can be developed and applied in many different areas of life to help individuals make informed decisions, solve problems, and build strong relationships with others. By dispelling these myths and misconceptions, individuals can better understand common sense’s true nature and importance.
Relationship between common sense and intelligence
Common sense and intelligence are related but distinct concepts. Intelligence refers to a person’s overall cognitive abilities, including their capacity for reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking.�
Common sense, on the other hand, refers to practical knowledge gained through everyday experiences and observations. While intelligence can help individuals understand complex concepts and solve abstract problems, common sense can help them make reasonable decisions in everyday situations.
It is possible for someone to have high intelligence but lack common sense, and vice versa. For example, someone with a high IQ may need help with practical tasks like managing finances or navigating social situations.�
On the other hand, someone with less formal education or intellectual training may have a strong sense of common sense that allows them to make practical decisions and solve everyday problems.
Common sense can complement intelligence by providing practical insights and perspectives not necessarily based on formal education or intellectual training. In other cases, intelligence can complete common sense by better understanding complex concepts and problems.�
While common sense and intelligence are related, they are distinct concepts with strengths and limitations.
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