The Role of Life Experience in Developing Common Sense

Common sense is often attributed to a combination of life experiences and natural intelligence. However, the debate around what truly constitutes 'common sense' is complex and less about a binary division but more about a spectrum of awareness and understanding.

Common Sense: A Shared Understanding

Common sense is the belief that a group of people share a tacit understanding of how things work and behave in society. However, achieving this shared understanding is not something that comes from simply living experiences. It requires a combination of similar experiences, emotional reactions, and shared meanings.

Those who possess what is often termed as 'common sense' may have an innate ability to make intuitive judgments and problem-solve effectively. This isn’t to say that common sense is a fixed trait but rather a result of acquiring a range of experiences and learnings over time.

Common Sense Dilemma

Brooks Eunson, a well-known expert, argues that common sense doesn’t truly exist; rather, it is a combination of intelligence and knowledge, both of which are subjective and fluid.

He posits that there is no clear dividing line between someone who has 'common sense' and someone who doesn’t. Instead, common sense is a cognitive skill that can be developed or lack presence. Individuals who appear to be lacking in common sense might simply not have acquired the necessary experience or knowledge to make proper judgments.

For instance, a person with abundant life experience might be adept at distinguishing between safe and risky situations, apply principles of problem-solving, and communicate effectively. On the other hand, someone lacking in such experiences might struggle with these fundamentals.

Life Experience Shapes Common Sense

Life experience plays a crucial role in developing common sense. The more exposure one has to various situations, the better their understanding of how to react and behave.

For example, through repeated experiences, an individual might learn the importance of being on time, understanding the consequences of their actions, and being considerate of others. Such understanding is fundamental to making sound decisions and acting responsibly.

Those without similar experiences might lack the ability to predict outcomes or apply lessons learned in one situation to another. This is why it’s said that they're "reinventing the wheel," as they repeatedly encounter similar issues without the benefit of past knowledge.

Common Sense and Intelligence

Intelligence, in this context, is akin to the ability to use available information to foresee and understand potential consequences. People with common sense can take experiences and observations and use them to project future outcomes effectively.

Furthermore, having common sense often indicates a higher level of organization, better communication skills, and a deeper understanding of human motivations. These traits are not innate but developed through continuous learning and experience.

Lessons from Lack of Common Sense

Brooks Eunson points out that individuals who seem to lack common sense often do not improve over time, becoming better equipped to handle similar situations. This lack of improvement is due to an inherent inability to apply past knowledge to new experiences.

Consider someone who relies on trial and error to learn basic social norms. By the time they understand these norms, valuable opportunities might have been missed or series of negative outcomes might have occurred. For example, someone who doesn’t understand the importance of non-verbal cues might make culturally insensitive remarks, worsen social dynamics, or miss relationship-building opportunities.

Such a limitation can result in repeated mistakes, missed chances, and an overall inability to fully engage in their social and professional environments effectively.

Conclusion

The concept of 'common sense' is complex and multifaceted. It is closely tied to life experience and natural intelligence, both of which are crucial for making sound judgments and decisions. Those who possess common sense benefit from a wide range of experiences that shape their understanding and ability to navigate various situations.

Those with less common sense may lack the same experiences and insights, resulting in repeated mistakes and a lack of progress. Understanding the role of life experiences in common sense is essential for improving one's decision-making and overall cognitive abilities.