Common sense is uncommon

 Common sense is uncommon 

We have all heard that. As a child I used to think it’s a special ability that is why it is rare. As I grew up I realized that it is our ability to navigate day to day life situations in a responsible and efficient manner. We do that all our life.

Then why say common sense is uncommon? I think it’s basically a discrepancy between a norm and how an individual actually behaves. While many things seem quite obvious, our understanding of them may make us decide otherwise. 

Why would anyone do that? According to sociologists, various factors contribute to this, I.e.,our understanding of the world influences our environment, role of emotions, different priorities at that particular stage of our life beside others. 

Sometimes what was considered common sense can change because of a new development. New inventions and discoveries can influence the idea of common sense. A word of caution here though. Sometimes our traditional thinking, in an effort to adopt new comforts can hurt us too. 

Traditionally, women in rural area used to cook rotis  on coals which was good. With many women in villages now cooking on gas stove still put rotis on direct gas fire which is harmful for our health.

When we are in our teens, we deliberately defy social norms and don’t use our common sense. Globalization has affected common sense, a friend of mine told me the other day. It has changed the way many societies used to think. 

For me our EQ, emotional quotient is also important. A high EQ will make use of common sense and vice versa. It is react vs response. 

Countries with deep cultural values have more people using common sense because of social ethos. There is a respect for traditions and values, people behave more like they were taught and raised. 

As we grow old, we rely more on our experience and use more common sense I think. My husband who is a published author and has guided me in writing initially told me you are not making sense today !! So I decided to be a little nonsensical. 

What do you think ? How good are you in using common sense? Do write to me.

Be happy and safe. 

So be it !!!