Why Has Using Common Sense Become So Rare in Today's World?

Common sense has been a cornerstone of human decision-making for centuries, yet it is becoming increasingly rare in today's fast-paced society. This raises the question: why is common sense no longer as common as it once was?

The Decline of Common Sense in Modern Society

Children are often not raised to respect authority figures, and they are easily swayed by fast-talking and unreliable sources. It is not uncommon for individuals to believe everything a habitual liar like Donald Trump says. This can have serious consequences, such as poor decision-making and even sadly, as exemplified in tragic outcomes.

Common sense is the ability to make well-reasoned decisions based on practical experience and sound judgment. It requires careful reflection, the ability to gather and analyze relevant information, and the patience to think through potential outcomes before acting. However, in today's world, this process is often bypassed in favor of quick judgments driven by emotions and impatience.

The Role of Impatience and Self-Indulgence

People today are more prone to indulge themselves rather than exercise the patience required for critical thinking. Common sense demands emotional and intellectual self-control, as well as the ability to weigh information carefully before making decisions. Unfortunately, such self-restraint is often in short supply due to our culture of instant gratification and impatience.

The Impact of Education on Common Sense

The foundational importance of education cannot be overstated. However, the current education system often prioritizes emotional understanding and individual feelings over critical thinking and reflection. This shift can be seen not only in the lack of structured critical thinking classes but also in the increasing emphasis on prescribed thought patterns rather than the skills needed to think analytically.

For instance, when I was in college, the focus was on learning how to think rather than what to think. The purpose of critical thinking was to teach students to evaluate information and arguments thoroughly. However, in recent years, this skill has been underemphasized in favor of more immediate outcomes. This lack of critical thinking education contributes to the problem of polarized opinions and a lack of rational discourse.

Examples of Critical Thinkers

There are glimmers of hope, however, in the form of individuals who embody the principles of common sense. Elinor Greenberg, for example, is known for her wisdom and ability to provide common sense guidance. Her reasoning and writings are a testament to the depth of critical thinking required to make well-informed decisions. It is evident that a significant amount of curiosity, intellectual honesty, and reflection goes into her work, which is a rare commodity in today's society.

While Greenberg's efforts are commendable, they are often overshadowed by the overwhelming number of individuals who fail to invest even a fraction of the effort she puts into her work. This disparity highlights the need for more emphasis on critical thinking and self-restraint in both educational systems and everyday life.

Conclusion

The decline of common sense is a multifaceted issue that requires attention. It is not solely the fault of our education systems or individual behaviors but a systemic problem that impacts our ability to make thoughtful, informed decisions. By prioritizing critical thinking and fostering an environment that encourages patience and self-reflection, we can help restore common sense to its rightful place as a cornerstone of intelligent decision-making.

Remember, common sense remains one of the most important survival skills. As the saying goes, “The best oracle is the one with the most common sense,” referring to someone who can critically think through and weigh the variables to guess the best outcome. In a world where quick judgments are prevalent, time taken to reflect and analyze is invaluable.