The TRUTH of Common Sense

What is common sense? If you followed the events of yesterday, as I did, you heard this phrase several times. I believe I understand what 'common sense' is, but I wondered how others might have understood it.

Is there a practical application that is understood by all in everyday situations? Do we, as a people, apply sound practical judgement concerning everyday matters? Do we have a knack for seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be? Do we apply our experiences and knowledge in deliberative thought in situations unfamiliar to us?

Common sense is often applied in the sense of "trustworthiness" in understanding that people will behave in a certain way under similar circumstances. There are certain standards in the world, or at least our world, that we are expected to comply with. Call them ethics, or call them acceptable practices, we subject one another to these basic behaviors.

In addition to trustworthiness, certain other words and meanings that apply. We look at things such as competence, respect, courtesy, and dependability. We rely on cooperation, commitment, and accountability. I have always believed that the best way of learning anything is by doing. Ben Franklin put it this way, "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."

First step ... define 'common sense' for yourself. Look up the definition in Webster, and in other sources, ask an AI program of your choice, or your most reliable sources. Come to an understanding you can live with, and this is the foundation for common sense.

Step two ... try to understand the ease at which people can be convinced that something is right or true in the face of many indicators and facts to the contrary. This has been one of the greatest challenges I have faced in pursuing TRUTH. We can provide someone with irrefutable facts, strong and reliable evidence to the contrary, and testimony from first person perspectives and they will still believe what they want to believe.

Step three ... divorce yourself from reality. Try your best to understand other realities. Know that you cannot force everyone to know or understand exactly as you do, The TRUTH is, you must open yourself to the possibilities of bigotry, selfishness, intolerance, and prejudice or you will try to have everyone conform to your standard of reality, and your standards of right and wrong without understanding. Common sense can only be built upon common experiences, and there is no room for these experiences unless you open yourself to them. Don't misunderstand! I am not saying to compromise your beliefs or standards. Only that you must understand that some people think differently about things.

Step four ... reflect upon TRUTH and what it is and means to you. I have referred to this as OneTRUTH Leadership. It is the ability to ask questions, carefully listen to the answers, ask additional clarifying questions, and settle upon the basic roots of what is true. From here you can begin to define steps and actions that make common sense.

It is not possible to go through this extensive of a process for every opportunity or challenge in your life so you must settle on a few basic common-sense factors. These are things that every human being should know how to do instinctively and not leave them to other persons to define. They go to the heart of personal survival, self-knowledge, and long-term health and safety. You do not have to be highly educated or wise to put these in place. All you need to be is open minded and realize that common sense is not a destination, it is a process that may be different for different people.

Here are some commonsense examples that I would share:

• Do not touch a hot stove because it will burn you.
• Look both ways before crossing a busy street.
• Don't pick a fight with someone twice your size.
• Don't bite the hand that feeds you.
• Looking where you walk.
• Using polite language in public.
• Washing your hands to prevent illness.
• Being punctual,?respecting workplace rules,?completing tasks according to instructions,?and demonstrating a good work ethic.

In reality, we push the limits or outright ignore all of these examples. Why? Is it because we are evil, don't care, or don't know any better? I think that it is something far less cynical. I think that we just don't pay enough attention and often do not think of others or our own safety.

What do you think?

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I welcome your input, comments, and ideas for new topics in 2025. Please help me grow interest in this important topic of TRUTH by sharing articles with others in your connections or to your feed.?

Bob Price – PPMG & OneTRUTH Leadership