Whatever happened to common sense?
It seems that in today's world, common sense has become a rare commodity.
But what exactly is common sense? Often mistaken as a fixed set of knowledge, common sense is actually a dynamic concept that evolves with time. It is not merely a collection of thoughts, but rather an attitude towards life – the ability to think critically and purposefully.
Common sense is the art of remembering what we have learned and acknowledging that we are prone to forget. It is the desire to continuously learn, even when faced with difficult lessons.
The lack of common sense is evident in the numerous challenges we face in the world today.
Not learned in classrooms
Common sense is not about having all the answers or possessing a vast amount of knowledge. It is about approaching situations with a fresh perspective and using our reasoning abilities to make sound judgments. It is the ability to see beyond the surface and understand the underlying principles that govern our world. Common sense is not something that can be taught in a classroom; it is a skill that is developed through experience and reflection.
One of the reasons common sense seems to be in short supply is that we often forget the lessons we have learned. We become complacent and fail to apply the knowledge we have acquired to new situations. We repeat the same mistakes over and over again, expecting different results. Common sense reminds us to learn from our past experiences and not to fall into the trap of repeating history.
Furthermore, common sense is not afraid of difficult lessons. It embraces challenges and seeks to learn from them. In a world where instant gratification and quick fixes are the norm, common sense reminds us that true growth and understanding come from facing adversity head-on. It encourages us to persevere and find solutions to complex problems, rather than taking the easy way out.
Learning from our mistakes
The lack of common sense is evident in the many problems we face as a society.
From environmental degradation to political polarization, these issues persist because we fail to use our common sense. We often prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability, neglecting the consequences of our actions. We become entrenched in our own beliefs, refusing to listen to opposing viewpoints and find common ground. Common sense calls for open-mindedness and a willingness to consider alternative perspectives.
Common sense is not a static concept but a dynamic way of being in the world. It is an attitude that values critical thinking, reflection, and continuous learning.
The decline of common sense is evident in the challenges we face today, as we often forget the lessons we have learned and fail to approach problems with fresh perspectives. However, it is not too late to reclaim common sense.
By cultivating a mindset of curiosity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to learn from our mistakes, we can begin to address the pressing issues of our time.
#Kamalayan #CommonSense #TatoMalay #OpinYon