Common Sense is Rarely Questionable: The Unseen Pitfalls of an Overused Concept

“Everyone knows that!” Have you ever caught yourself saying that? We’ve all heard the phrase “common sense,” often in a tone that suggests its authority is beyond dispute. But what if I told you that relying on common sense could actually be dangerous?

Imagine you’re working on a project, and someone suggests a course of action based on “common sense.” You don’t think twice. Why? Because it’s ingrained in us to trust what “everyone” supposedly knows. This is where the hidden pitfalls lie. Common sense is rarely questioned, but that doesn’t mean it’s right.

The truth is, common sense is often just a reflection of prevailing social norms and experiences that can vary dramatically between cultures, situations, or even individuals. It’s a shorthand for what people in a particular group assume to be self-evident, but that assumption is built on shaky foundations. What’s considered common sense in one environment might be completely nonsensical in another.

Take the workplace, for instance. Common sense dictates that hard work leads to success. But if you look closer, the correlation between hard work and success isn’t as clear-cut. Many people work tirelessly and never see the payoff they expect. Why? Because they’re operating under assumptions that overlook other crucial factors: network connections, timing, and sometimes just sheer luck. These aren’t part of the “common sense” equation, yet they are instrumental in determining outcomes.

We have this perception that common sense is universally applicable, but it’s really not. It’s biased. It’s shaped by the time and place we live in. Let’s take a look at history. In the 19th century, common sense told people that women couldn’t handle voting or owning property. It was widely accepted, not questioned. Today, we recognize how wrong that was, but at the time, it was “common sense.”

This is why common sense is rarely questionable, and that’s what makes it so dangerous. It creates blind spots. When something is labeled as “common sense,” people stop questioning it, and that’s when mistakes happen. In medicine, for example, early treatments like bloodletting were considered common sense for centuries, yet they caused more harm than good.

Common sense is often based on gut instinct rather than rigorous analysis. It doesn’t take into account evolving knowledge or changing circumstances. In a world that’s constantly shifting—whether it’s technology, culture, or global politics—relying on common sense can lead you astray.

Think about the rise of social media. Ten years ago, it would’ve been common sense to assume that social media was just a passing trend, not something that would reshape industries, politics, and personal relationships. Today, it’s clear that underestimating the power of digital platforms was a mistake.

But how do we overcome this? We need to make questioning a habit. Instead of accepting things at face value, we should dive deeper and ask, “Why is this considered common sense?” and “Is it still relevant in today’s world?” This shift in mindset can help avoid the pitfalls of blindly following what seems obvious.

One way to do this is by testing assumptions. In business, for example, there’s the concept of A/B testing—trying two different approaches to see which works better. Why not apply the same principle to life? Instead of defaulting to common sense, experiment. Take calculated risks to challenge the status quo.

Another key is understanding the difference between common sense and critical thinking. Critical thinking is deliberate. It’s based on evidence, reason, and thorough analysis, not just gut feelings or popular opinion. While common sense can sometimes point you in the right direction, it’s not reliable enough to be your only guide.

In fact, data shows that decision-makers who rely too heavily on common sense often face setbacks. Studies in behavioral economics, for example, reveal that human biases—like the tendency to rely on past experiences, even when they’re irrelevant—can distort judgment. This can lead to costly errors in fields ranging from finance to public policy.

So how do you protect yourself from the risks of following common sense? First, cultivate a habit of doubt. It doesn’t mean you should be paralyzed by indecision, but approach each situation with a healthy skepticism. Ask yourself: “Is there more to this than meets the eye?”

Second, seek out alternative perspectives. The more diverse your sources of information, the less likely you are to be trapped by the limitations of common sense. Talk to people from different backgrounds. Read books on topics you wouldn’t normally explore. In other words, expand your worldview.

Third, practice reflection. After making decisions, take the time to look back and evaluate. Were your choices based on assumptions that turned out to be incorrect? Could a different approach have yielded better results? This reflection helps build a habit of learning and adapting, rather than blindly repeating past mistakes.

If you still think common sense is always reliable, consider this: In the early 1900s, it was common sense that "personal computers" were impractical and unnecessary for everyday people. The idea that every home would have one was laughable. Fast forward to today, and we can’t imagine life without our digital devices.

It’s time to recognize that what we call “common sense” is often just outdated thinking disguised as wisdom. By questioning it, we open ourselves up to better decisions, richer experiences, and ultimately, a more nuanced understanding of the world around us.

In summary, common sense is rarely questionable, and that’s exactly why it needs to be questioned. If we don’t take the time to challenge these deeply embedded assumptions, we risk falling into the same traps over and over again. By adopting a mindset of curiosity, critical thinking, and openness to new ideas, we can transcend the limitations of common sense and discover truths that truly matter.