Common Sense: Why Is It No Longer Common?

Common sense—once an unwritten code of behavior—has evolved into something rare, almost like an endangered species. The phrase "common sense" refers to basic reasoning skills, ideas that seem self-evident, and a general understanding that everyone, regardless of background, should be able to comprehend. But is common sense still common?

The Vanishing of Common Sense in Modern Society

Today, we live in an era dominated by technology and specialized knowledge. The simplicity of common sense is often overshadowed by the complexity of life. It's not that people are less intelligent than before; in fact, we have access to more information than ever. However, the overwhelming availability of data has created an environment where basic, everyday wisdom is sometimes ignored.

One of the most telling signs of the decline of common sense is the way people often struggle with practical problems despite having access to incredible amounts of information. Take, for instance, the act of fixing a leaky faucet. In the past, common sense would dictate that someone could handle minor household repairs. However, in today's world, many turn to the internet for advice on even the simplest of tasks.

But this isn't merely an issue of convenience. People today are more likely to rely on "expert opinions" for things they could have once handled themselves. We’ve outsourced our thinking, and in doing so, we've lost something precious—our ability to think critically and act rationally in everyday situations.

The Impact of Technology and Social Media

Technology has revolutionized communication, making information readily accessible. But it's also diluted the concept of common sense. Social media, for example, often promotes extreme opinions and echo chambers. People are constantly bombarded with contradictory information, making it harder to trust their instincts. Instead of relying on their judgment, they turn to influencers, algorithms, and trends.

It's not uncommon to see people act irrationally because of something they saw on social media. From viral challenges that risk personal safety to conspiracy theories that seem more like science fiction than reality, it’s clear that common sense has taken a backseat to online sensationalism.

Social media has done more than just shift priorities; it has redefined common sense. What was once a shared understanding is now fractured across different platforms and opinions. Rather than drawing from a unified set of societal values, individuals are pulling from niche communities that reinforce their specific views, which often skews their judgment.

Education and the Erosion of Practical Knowledge

Many argue that the educational system is partly to blame for the erosion of common sense. Schools today focus heavily on theoretical knowledge, standardized testing, and specialized subjects. While these are important, they often overlook life skills like basic financial literacy, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Students graduate with degrees, but they lack practical knowledge. They know how to solve complex equations but may struggle to budget their finances. They can analyze literary works but may be clueless about how to change a tire. Practical knowledge, once a cornerstone of common sense, is now an afterthought in many educational curricula.

This educational gap often manifests in adulthood, where individuals are ill-prepared to handle real-world challenges. Many depend on professionals for tasks that previous generations would have handled on their own. As we rely more on specialized expertise, the less we engage in critical thinking, and the less common sense becomes part of our everyday lives.

The Role of Overregulation

Government regulations, while necessary, sometimes contribute to the erosion of common sense. In an attempt to protect citizens, governments often create complex rules and guidelines that dictate behavior. These rules can foster dependency, making people less likely to rely on their judgment or common sense to solve problems.

For instance, warning labels on products sometimes seem excessive—take the infamous "Do not use while sleeping" warning on hairdryers. These regulations, while intended to prevent accidents, can sometimes undermine personal responsibility. Instead of thinking critically about what is safe or dangerous, people rely on rules and labels to guide their actions.

Overregulation fosters a mindset of dependency. When every potential risk is mitigated by a rule, people become less inclined to use their common sense. They become passive, waiting for instruction rather than acting based on intuition or critical reasoning.

Can Common Sense Be Revived?

The good news is that common sense isn't dead—it's just dormant. While modern society may have obscured it, common sense can be revived through intentional action. The key lies in reclaiming our ability to think independently and critically.

Education reform is crucial. Schools should incorporate more practical life skills into their curricula, ensuring that students leave with not only academic knowledge but also the tools necessary to navigate everyday life. Courses on critical thinking, problem-solving, and basic life skills can help foster a new generation of individuals who possess both knowledge and common sense.

Additionally, we need to become more discerning in our consumption of information. Instead of relying solely on experts, trends, or algorithms, we should question and analyze the information we receive. By cultivating skepticism and independent thought, we can begin to rely more on our judgment and less on external influences.

Finally, fostering a culture of responsibility can help bring common sense back into everyday life. People should be encouraged to take ownership of their actions, rather than blaming circumstances or external factors for poor decisions. By promoting personal responsibility, society can restore the value of common sense.

A Personal Responsibility

In the end, common sense boils down to personal responsibility. It's about recognizing that while we live in a world of vast knowledge and expertise, there are still moments where we must rely on our judgment. Whether it's making a decision about our finances, choosing what to believe online, or solving a practical problem, common sense is about trusting ourselves.

So, is common sense really gone? Not necessarily—but it's up to us to revive it. By prioritizing independent thought, practical knowledge, and personal responsibility, we can ensure that common sense becomes, once again, common.