Education logo

COMMON SENSE IS NOT COMMON

The Rare and Remarkable World of Common Sense

By Timothy JonahPublished 3 years ago • 4 min read

In a world that often seems to defy logic, the phrase "common sense is not common" emerges as a beacon of truth. It's a curious paradox that invites us to journey through the labyrinthine corridors of human behavior, where the mundane becomes the extraordinary, and the ordinary becomes the absurd. In this whimsical exploration, we'll unravel the enigma of common sense, relishing the moments when it evades us and celebrating the charm it brings to our daily lives.

The Mysterious Essence of Common Sense

Common sense, that elusive creature, is a concept we all think we understand but struggle to define precisely. It's the practical wisdom that guides us through the ordinary challenges of life. Yet, it's a wisdom that can be as inconsistent as the weather.

Imagine this scenario: You're at a coffee shop, sipping your favorite brew. Suddenly, the person next to you spills scalding hot coffee on their lap. What's the immediate reaction you'd expect? Common sense would dictate they'd jump up, exclaiming, "Ouch, that's hot!" But as you'll soon discover, common sense isn't always so common.

The Great Coffee Spill Spectacle

Welcome to the theater of human behavior, where common sense often takes a backseat. In this intriguing play, you'll find characters who react to a coffee spill not by swiftly leaping to safety but by attempting to taste-test the scalding liquid. Yes, you read that correctly. It's baffling, absurd, and undeniably entertaining.

In the realm of common sense, it's the same world where coffee cups are emblazoned with the warning "Caution: Hot Contents," as if previous generations were blissfully unaware that coffee is, well, hot.

The Oddities of Everyday Life

Now that we've established the whimsical unpredictability of common sense, let's embark on a journey through the everyday oddities it bestows upon us.

1. The USB Enigma: Picture this: You're trying to plug in a USB device, and it doesn't fit. You flip it around, and it still doesn't fit. Finally, you turn it back to the original position, and voilà, it fits perfectly. Common sense says it should work either way, but technology often has a mischievous sense of humor.

2. Elevator Illusions: Elevators are both mesmerizing and mystifying. Why do we impatiently push the "close door" button when we know it's just a psychological pacifier? It's a classic case of common sense taking a backseat to our desire for control.

3. The Walk Button Delusion: At crosswalks, you'll often find a "walk" button. Pressing it repeatedly won't make the light change faster, yet we often indulge in this futile act of impatience, as if our frantic pressing has the power to command traffic signals.

4. The Smartphone Mirage: Smartphones, while incredibly smart, are also masters of deception. Ever spent a frantic hour searching for your phone while chatting on it? Common sense insists you can't talk on a phone you're looking for, but there it is, resting against your cheek.

5. The "Press Any Key" Dilemma: When your computer says, "Press any key to continue," why do we pause to think which key is the "any" key? It's a moment of confusion that defies common sense.

Nature or Nurture: The Origin of Common Sense

Now, let's ponder the origin of common sense. Is it an inherent trait, a product of our upbringing, or something we acquire through experience?

Nature's Gift: Some argue that common sense is hardwired into our brains, a part of our evolutionary survival kit. It's the voice that tells us not to pet the growling dog or to look both ways before crossing the street.

Nurtured Wisdom: Others believe that common sense is a product of our upbringing and environment. We learn it through the guidance of parents, teachers, and societal norms. It's the result of absorbing countless bits of practical wisdom.

The School of Hard Knocks: Then there's the notion that common sense is earned through experience, often the hard way. It's the bruises from falling off a bike that teach us balance, or the burnt fingers that remind us not to touch a hot stove.

The Delightful Irony of Common Sense

One of the delightful ironies of common sense is how it can be utterly absent when we need it most. Consider those moments when you meticulously lock your car, only to realize you left your keys inside. It's the epitome of common sense eluding us at the most inconvenient times.

It's also amusing how common sense seems to differ from person to person. One person's common sense may be another person's "What on Earth are you thinking?" For some, it's common sense to double-check the stove before leaving the house; for others, it's common sense to trust they turned it off.

The Joys of Common Sense Anomalies

In our quest to decipher the mysteries of common sense, let's not forget to appreciate the quirky anomalies it brings to our lives. These oddities make our daily adventures all the more entertaining, whether it's the USB dance, the elevator illusion, or the smartphone sleight of hand.

Perhaps common sense is, in its own whimsical way, a reminder that life is a playful riddle. It invites us to embrace the delightful absurdities that make every day a unique and engaging experience. After all, it's the moments when common sense takes a coffee break that often lead to the most unforgettable stories.

In Conclusion: The Elusive Charm of Common Sense

As we conclude our whimsical expedition into the realm of common sense, one thing becomes abundantly clear: common sense isn't a dull, predictable concept. It's a mischievous muse that keeps life exciting, reminding us that the quirks and idiosyncrasies of human behavior are what make our journey through this world truly entertaining.

So, the next time you find yourself baffled by a USB port, chuckling at the "close door" button, or searching for a smartphone that's pressed against your cheek, remember that common sense is the spice of life. It invites us to savor the delightful absurdities, celebrate the moments of hilarity, and relish the unpredictable journey that is being human. After all, in a world where common sense is not always common, the extraordinary becomes the norm, and the mundane is an adventure waiting to happen.

how to

About the Creator

Timothy Jonah

I am Timothy Jonah, an affiliate marketer and writer!

Enjoyed the story? Support the Creator.

Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed.

Subscribe For Free

Reader insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment
    Written by Timothy Jonah