Common Sense
Common sense, at its core, refers to a basic level of practical judgment that most people possess. It is the ability to understand things in a reasonable and sensible way, often without needing explicit instruction or specialized knowledge. It is that intuitive understanding of how the world works, guiding everyday decisions and interactions. However, the phrase carries a deeper resonance, particularly due to its historical and literary significance.
Origin of “Common Sense”
While the idea of practical judgment has existed for centuries, the phrase “common sense” began to appear in English writing in the 15th century, denoting shared understanding or general agreement. Its widespread and enduring legacy, however, stems from a specific publication: Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, Common Sense, published in 1776. Paine did not invent the phrase, but he imbued it with a revolutionary spirit. His pamphlet was a direct appeal to reason and self‑governance, urging American colonists to declare independence from British rule. He argued that the principles of independence were so self‑evident, so rooted in natural reason, that they should be obvious—a matter of common sense—to all. The success of the pamphlet and its direct link to a pivotal historical moment cemented the phrase’s importance in the English language and its association with rational thought and action.
Analysis of “Common Sense” in Literature
The Nuances Beyond the Literal
The phrase “common sense” is not always used in a straightforward manner. Writers often employ it ironically or to highlight a character’s lack of it. They may also explore the limitations of common sense, showing how it can be flawed, biased, or insufficient in complex situations. Consider how the phrase functions as a literary device, a way to signal a character’s worldview, to advance a thematic argument, or to create dramatic tension.
Example #1: Challenging Assumptions
Imagine a character consistently making poor decisions, justifying them with “It just makes common sense!” This is a clear example of dramatic irony. The audience recognizes the flaws in the character’s reasoning, understanding that their “common sense” is, in fact, misguided or self‑serving. This technique is often used to critique societal norms or expose hypocrisy.
Example #2: The Limits of Practicality
A poem might explore a situation where “common sense” dictates a certain course of action, but following that course leads to a morally questionable outcome. This could be a commentary on the dangers of prioritizing practicality over ethics. For example, a character might use “common sense” to justify exploiting another, believing it to be simply a pragmatic solution to a problem.
Example #3: Irony and Subversion
A satirical work could deliberately misapply the phrase “common sense” to absurd or illogical situations. This creates humor while simultaneously challenging the reader to question what they consider reasonable or sensible. The intention is to demonstrate that what passes for common sense is often subjective, culturally influenced, and open to manipulation.
Example #4: Connecting to Paine’s Legacy
A historical novel set during the American Revolution might depict characters debating the merits of Paine’s Common Sense. This allows the author to explore the pamphlet’s central arguments— the rights of man, the necessity of independence, and the power of self‑governance— and to illustrate how these ideas resonated with the colonists and shaped the course of history. The phrase therefore becomes more than just a statement of practicality; it represents a powerful ideological force.
Beyond Literature: Common Sense in Everyday Language
The phrase continues to be widely used in everyday conversation, often as a gentle rebuke or a call for practical thinking. Here are some examples:
- “You should use some common sense and lock the door before you leave!” (A request for basic safety precautions)
- “It’s just common sense that you should save money for a rainy day.” (A statement of a widely accepted principle)
- “He lacked common sense in his business dealings, and that’s why he failed.” (An assessment of a character’s judgment)
- “Sometimes, you have to forget about the rules and just apply a little common sense.” (An argument for flexible thinking)
- “She thought it was common knowledge, but apparently, no one else had the same information.” (Highlighting a gap in shared understanding)
Further Considerations
It is important to remember that “common sense” is not universally shared. What seems sensible to one person or culture might seem foolish or illogical to another. Factors such as upbringing, education, and personal experiences all shape our understanding of the world and influence what we consider “common sense.” Therefore, critical thinking and open‑mindedness are essential when evaluating claims based on “common sense.” The phrase, while seemingly straightforward, carries a complex history and continues to be a rich subject for literary and philosophical exploration.