The Importance of Common Sense

It seems like common sense should be, well, common. But unfortunately, that's not always the case. In today's society, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget to use our basic common sense. And while common sense isn't always perfect, it's still a valuable tool that we should all try to use as often as possible.

What is Common Sense?

There isn't a single, definitive answer to this question. Merriam-Webster defines common sense as "sound practical judgment that is independent of specialized knowledge, training, or the like." In other words, it's the ability to see things from a logical perspective and make reasonable decisions based on that understanding.

Why is Common Sense Important?

As humans, we like to think that we're rational beings who always make the best possible decisions. But the truth is that we're often emotional creatures who let our feelings cloud our judgment. That's where common sense comes in. By taking a step back and looking at a situation objectively, we can make better decisions—decisions that are based on logic instead of emotion.

How Can I Use Common Sense?

There are a few different ways you can start incorporating common sense into your life:

- Pay attention to your gut instinct. Our gut instincts are often more accurate than we give them credit for. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

- Avoid making snap judgments. It's easy to jump to conclusions without all the facts. If you can slow down and take the time to gather information before making a decision, you'll be much better off in the long run.

- Be open-minded. One of the best ways to use common sense is to be willing to listen to others and consider their perspectives—even if you don't agree with them. You never know when you might learn something new.

- Question everything. Just because someone is in a position of authority doesn't mean they're always right. If something doesn't make sense to you, don't be afraid to ask questions and do your own research.

At the end of the day, using common sense is all about being mindful and thinking things through logically. It's not always easy, but it's definitely worth it. So next time you're faced with a decision, take a step back and try to see things from a common sense perspective—you might be surprised at what you find.