What is Common Sense?
What is Common Sense?
Common sense is "everyday logic".
The term "common sense" was first coined by Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, who said that humans were the only animal on the planet equipped with an innate sense of logic. Aristotle said everyone is born with the potential to think logically, therefore logic is the COMMON sense. (ie the logical sense is common to all humans).
What does common sense logic mean in practice?
There are three distinguishing characteristics of common sense:
- A facts first system.
- A rejection of mystical or magical explanations.
- Always practical and workable.
1. The first rule of common sense is: Get the facts.
Common sense is a facts first system of thought. It is reality based. Common sense is about dealing with the world as it really is, not how you feel it should be.
Therefore, you need to ensure you don't make decisions based on instinct, vague feelings, rumour, guesses or fake news.
Check your facts and check your sources.
Sherlock Holmes said, "It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has the facts".
2. Common sense implies a rejection of mystical or magical methods.
Common sense means we reject methods that rely on luck, chance, fate, the stars, destiny, the spirits, or that things happen "somehow".
Common sense tells us that people don't pass exams, just because they are lucky, or win races because fate is on their side.
People do not fail because "now is not their time".
Common sense looks for non-mystical, non-religious, non-magical explanations and methods.
If something happens, then it happens due to worldly, natural causes, NOT supernatural, magical, or religious causes.
So common sense is a logical, factual, scientific way of looking at things.
3. Practical and workable.
Because common sense is factual, it is also practical.
Because it is scientific, it is also pragmatic.
Therefore, all your theories must be practical, workable and achievable in the real world. Therefore, never evade facts you don't like and never invent facts you wish were true.
How can you develop common sense?
Resolve to deal with the world head-on; take a hard-headed, practical, factual, non-mystical approach to your life and its problems.
If you do that, then people around you will say you have plenty of common sense.
About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years’ experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
Blogs by Email
Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!
Further Reading in Personal Effectiveness
-
How to Develop a Resilient Mind-Set
Being resilient allows you to deal effectively with all the situations that you find yourself in. Learn to evaluate things in a clear and rational way. Evaluate the facts logically and realistically. Learn to ask empowering questions
Read Article > -
Don't be afraid to ask for help
Asking for help is not a sign of failure or weakness. On the contrary, the ability to ask for help and to avail oneself of the combined brainpower of the team is a sign of maturity, intelligence and power.
Read Article > -
How to Respond to any Situation
Many people tend to be irrational or emotional when faced with a problem or tricky situation. Unfortunately, this approach will not lead to the best outcome. Evaluate situations by being logical and rational when assessing all the available facts.
Read Article > -
How to Stop Worrying
Many people spend too much valuable time, fretting and worrying over things which have happened; or might happen. Fretting and worrying doesn't change anything other than your emotional state.
Read Article > -
How to Respond to a Negative Situation
Many people do not respond well to negative feedback, feeling that it is personal criticism. Sometimes feedback may turn to conflict, which in turn can lead to anger and upset. Take a look at our guide as to how to handle these negative situations.
Read Article >
Looking for Personal Development Training?
If you're looking to develop your Personal Effectiveness Skills, you may find this Personal Development Training Course beneficial:
Open Training Course Pricing and Availability
Next Open Course Starts in 4 days, Leeds City, places available