“It’s just common sense!” is a phrase you’ve probably heard—or maybe even used—countless times. But what exactly is common sense, and is it really as universal as we believe it to be? The idea of common sense often seems mythical, an unspoken set of rules that everyone should naturally understand. However, in reality, what we call “common sense” is more elusive than we think, often shaped by individual experiences, culture, and personal bias.

This article explores the concept of common sense, why it’s often seen as mythical, and how we might rethink its role in everyday life.

What Is Common Sense?

In its simplest definition, common sense refers to practical judgment or basic reasoning that most people are expected to have. It’s the ability to make decisions or act appropriately in everyday situations without needing specialized knowledge or training. Whether it’s not touching a hot stove, knowing to look both ways before crossing the street, or avoiding obvious danger, common sense is thought to be an innate skill.

But here’s the catch: what seems like common sense to one person can be completely foreign to another. This disconnect makes the very notion of common sense feel mythical, as if it exists in a shared cultural consciousness that not everyone actually shares.

The Myth of Universality

One of the biggest myths surrounding common sense is that it’s universal—that everyone has access to the same basic knowledge or reasoning. But in reality, what one person views as obvious, another person might never consider. This is because common sense is deeply influenced by:

1. Cultural Background: What might be considered common sense in one culture could be completely irrelevant in another. For instance, etiquette around meal times, social interactions, or even safety practices can vary dramatically across societies. What’s “obvious” in one country might be completely unfamiliar elsewhere.
2. Personal Experience: Our individual life experiences shape our understanding of the world. For example, someone who grew up in a city may have developed a sense of street smarts that someone from a rural area hasn’t, and vice versa. If you’ve never encountered a certain situation, it’s hard to have the common sense to navigate it.
3. Education and Knowledge: Some aspects of what we think of as common sense come from knowledge we’ve acquired through learning. For example, understanding that mixing certain chemicals can be dangerous may seem like common sense to a chemist, but to someone without that background, it’s not so obvious.

Why Common Sense Feels Mythical

The idea that common sense is shared by all is a convenient myth. It allows people to assume that others see the world the same way they do, which isn’t always the case. Here are a few reasons why common sense feels so elusive and mythical:

1. It’s Relative: Common sense is not a fixed set of rules but a fluid concept that changes based on context, upbringing, and social norms. This makes it feel elusive—what’s considered common sense in one situation may not apply in another.
2. It’s Often Assumed: People tend to assume that everyone shares the same baseline knowledge, and when someone acts outside of that assumption, we label them as lacking common sense. This assumption creates frustration and misunderstandings, reinforcing the myth that common sense is a universal truth.
3. It’s Retrospective: Often, common sense is something we assign in hindsight. When a situation goes wrong, we might say, “It was just common sense not to do that,” but only after seeing the consequences. It’s much easier to label something as common sense after the fact, once the outcome is clear.
4. It’s Emotionally Charged: When we expect common sense from others and don’t get it, it can feel personal, as though they are disregarding obvious truths. This emotional reaction makes common sense seem more significant than it really is, adding to the sense that it should be universal.

Rethinking Common Sense

Instead of assuming that common sense is universal, it’s more helpful to view it as a context-dependent form of knowledge. What seems obvious or logical varies widely between individuals, shaped by their environment, culture, and personal history. Here are a few ways to rethink common sense:

1. Empathy Over Assumption: Instead of assuming that others should know or behave in a way you consider common sense, try approaching situations with empathy. Ask yourself if the other person has had the same experiences or knowledge that you have, and recognize that their version of common sense may differ from yours.
2. Acknowledge Cultural and Contextual Differences: Understanding that cultural and situational differences play a big role in what we consider common sense can help reduce frustration. What’s obvious in one context might be less so in another, and that’s okay. Taking time to learn and appreciate those differences can prevent misunderstandings.
3. Use Communication to Clarify Expectations: Clear communication can bridge the gap where common sense fails. If you assume someone will understand something, but they don’t, it’s a sign that expectations weren’t aligned. Open, honest conversations about what’s expected in certain situations can help prevent confusion.
4. Recognize Biases: Our own biases often shape what we think of as common sense. If you find yourself frustrated by someone’s actions, take a moment to reflect on whether your expectations are reasonable or if they’re being influenced by your personal background.

The Benefits of Letting Go of the Myth

Letting go of the myth of common sense can improve relationships, reduce frustration, and lead to more understanding interactions. By recognizing that common sense isn’t as common or universal as we think, we become more patient, adaptable, and empathetic toward others. It also allows us to approach situations with a mindset of learning rather than judgment.

Conclusion

The idea of common sense, while comforting, is largely a myth. It’s not a universal truth shared by all people, but rather a concept shaped by culture, experience, and individual knowledge. By acknowledging its fluid nature and adjusting our expectations, we can avoid the frustration that comes from assuming everyone sees the world the same way. Ultimately, common sense isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about understanding that we all come from different places, and what’s obvious to one may not be to another.