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"常识是每个人都需要的,但很少有人拥有。"

Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin Polymath
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Quote meaning
Let's break this down. The core idea here is about the nature of common sense. Everyone needs it—it's essential for navigating daily life successfully. But the ironic twist is that not many people actually possess it. This isn't just about intelligence or education. Common sense is more about practical decision-making and understanding the world around you in a straightforward, almost instinctive way. It's about making choices that seem, well, obvious and sound, yet somehow, many people miss the mark.

Historically, the quote touches on a timeless issue. Back in the day, people relied heavily on common sense for survival. Think about a farmer deciding when to plant crops based on weather patterns rather than sophisticated scientific data. They had to use their judgment and intuition. Fast forward to today, and we still need common sense, though we often get distracted by the noise of modern life—technology, endless information, and sometimes, a bit too much overthinking.

Let's get into a real-life example. Picture this: you're in a busy city, and there's a crosswalk with a red light. Common sense would tell you to wait for the light to turn green before crossing, right? However, there are always a few people who dash across the street, dodging cars and risking their lives. They ignore the basic, common-sense rule of waiting for their turn. Why? Maybe they're in a rush, or they think they can beat the odds. But we all know it's just not smart.

So how can we apply this wisdom in our daily lives? Start small. Think about your decisions—both big and small. Ask yourself, "What's the obvious, sensible thing to do here?" If you're about to send an angry email, take a moment to cool off first. When you're cooking, don't leave the kitchen with the stove on. It sounds simple, but these little moments add up. Practicing common sense can save you from a lot of unnecessary trouble.

Now, let me share a story. Imagine you're at a friend's house for dinner. They serve you this exotic dish, and you're not sure what it is. It smells interesting, but it looks a bit... questionable. You don't want to offend them, but you also don't want to risk eating something that could make you sick. Common sense kicks in. You politely ask what it is. Turns out, it's perfectly safe, just a new cuisine you haven't tried before. Your common sense saved you from potential discomfort and showed respect for your friend's efforts.

Remember, common sense is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. So next time you're faced with a decision, big or small, take a moment to think. Is there an obvious, straightforward choice here? Trust your instincts. It might just save you from a lot of hassle.
Related tags
Common sense Everyday life Human behavior Human nature Insight Life lessons Practical wisdom Self-awareness Universal truth Wisdom
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