There is nothing more uncommon than common sense -FrankLloyd Wright.
Common sense, as the term suggests, refers to the basic level of practical knowledge and sound judgment that is expected from individuals in their day-to-day lives. It encompasses a range of skills and abilities, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. However, despite its significance, common sense appears to be increasingly uncommon in our modern society. I tried to explore the reasons behind the scarcity of common sense, its implications, and potential ways to cultivate and promote it. Am unsure how accurate I could be but I promise my utmost honesty in this process 😁
As per my understanding, in today’s digital age, one of the key factors contributing to the scarcity of common sense is the overreliance on technology. With the advent of smartphones and the internet, people have become heavily reliant on technology for information and decision-making. This overreliance has led to a decline in critical thinking skills and the ability to make practical judgments independently. Instead of relying on their own intuition and reasoning, individuals often turn to search engines or social media platforms for answers. Shortcuts certainly. Consequently, they become passive consumers of information, rather than actively engaging their own common sense. Does this make sense? I think so 😌
Moving ahead,the abundance of information available at our fingertips has led to information overload. While having access to a vast amount of information can be beneficial, the ability to sift through this information and discern what is relevant and accurate has become increasingly challenging. This information overload can hinder the development and application of common sense as individuals struggle to differentiate between reliable sources and misleading information.of course! Who doesn’t like to save time and energy as opposed to wasting it over petty matters like thinking? Sarcastic me 😉
Digging deep, Another contributing factor to the scarcity of common sense is the current education system. The system often prioritizes academic knowledge and standardized testing over practical skills and critical thinking. (This is generally speaking 0r observed, with no offense to anyone or anything personally). Students are primarily taught to memorize information and regurgitate it for exams, rather than being encouraged to think critically and apply their knowledge in real-life situations. As a result, students may lack the necessary tools to apply common sense in their day-to-day lives. Making their task easier is jeopardizing their rational self😔
The lack of common sense has significant implications for individuals and society as a whole. Oops! Should we say that? Well! Well! One of the most apparent consequences is poor decision-making. The absence of common sense can result in individuals making choices that have detrimental consequences in various aspects of life, such as personal relationships, career choices, and public policy. Without the ability to think critically and evaluate the potential outcomes of their decisions, individuals may find themselves in unfavorable circumstances. Apparently trapped in their own self-woven fabric of bafflement or dilemmas.
Furthermore, individuals lacking common sense are more vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation. In an era where advertisements, fake news, and persuasive rhetoric are prevalent, those without common sense are easily swayed. They lack the critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate the credibility and validity of information, making them susceptible to being led astray by false promises or misleading claims. unfortunate indeed, but real!
Moreover, the scarcity of common sense can lead to social disconnection. Common sense is essential for effective communication and social interaction. Without it, misunderstandings and conflicts are more likely to arise, leading to a breakdown in relationships and societal cohesion. When individuals lack the ability to understand and empathize with others, it becomes challenging to build meaningful connections and foster a sense of community. Where are we going to? Where will we reach? Too many questions.
Despite the challenges posed by the scarcity of common sense, there are ways to promote and cultivate it in individuals and society. One of the key strategies is to encourage critical thinking. Educational institutions should prioritize the development of critical thinking skills through interactive teaching methods, problem-solving exercises, and real-life applications. By providing students with opportunities to think independently and analyze information critically, they can develop and apply common sense in their decision-making processes.
Media literacy is another crucial aspect of promoting common sense. In a world where misinformation and biased narratives are prevalent, it is essential to equip individuals with the skills to navigate through the vast amount of information available to them. Teaching individuals how to critically evaluate sources, detect biases, and identify misinformation can enhance their common sense and enable them to make informed decisions.
Integrating practical life skills into the curriculum is another effective way to cultivate common sense. By teaching individuals essential skills such as financial literacy, decision-making, and problem-solving, they are better equipped to apply common sense in real-world situations. These skills empower individuals to make sound judgments and navigate through the complexities of life.
Role modeling also plays a significant role in promoting common sense. Parents, teachers, and leaders should serve as role models by demonstrating and promoting common sense in their actions and decision-making. When individuals see common sense being valued and practiced by those they look up to, they are more likely to cultivate and value it in their own lives.
In fruition, common sense, despite its importance, has become increasingly uncommon in our modern society. The overreliance on technology, information overload, and the current education system are some of the factors contributing to its scarcity. The lack of common sense has significant implications, such as poor decision-making, vulnerability to manipulation, and social disconnection. However, by encouraging critical thinking, promoting media literacy, integrating practical life skills, and serving as role models, we can bridge the gap between the scarcity of common sense and its vital role in our everyday lives. By cultivating and promoting common sense, we can create a more informed, rational, and harmonious society.
👀Let’s try to be uncommonly common sensible 👀
Picture courtesy: Google Images. (Much gratitude to all the image providers on Google)
Disclaimer: The above-expressed views are solely individual and have no intention to hurt, challenge, or offend anyone anyhow, whatsoever.
