We have all heard someone say "Well that guy has no common sense."
OK, so what is common sense?
My mother, who has gone to meet her maker, and who would not ever be included in the Top Billion Wisest People list, had a saying, "[insert name here] doesn't have enough sense to come in out of the rain."
I am not on that list either, but I long ago rejected my mother's definition and continued my search for a better one. Someone who did make the list suggested this definition:
Common Sense, defined: Practical and generally applicable problem solving skills derived from a broad base of real-world knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Adopting the definition above seems reasonable to me. Until and unless someone can show me a better one.
Not that it means anything, but sometimes I don't come in out of the rain.
I'm sure I have common sense---most of the time.
ReplyDeleteYour mother provides a cogent and concrete explanation of common sense, or its absence, with an example that is:
ReplyDelete1. Practical, as everyone encounters rain.
2. Problem-solving, as we typically strategize to avoid getting wet.
3. Reflects real-world knowledge, i.e., rain happens.
4. While a demonstration of “critical thinking” may be a stretch, there are situations when staying out in the rain is a good idea, e.g., when you’re on fire.
Well done, second cousin, once removed!