Voltaire: 'Common sense is not so common.'

Common sense is not so common.

The quote by Voltaire, "Common sense is not so common," carries a profound meaning that highlights the scarcity and underappreciation of basic reasoning and rationality in our society. Common sense refers to the sound and practical judgment that is expected from individuals in their day-to-day lives. However, Voltaire suggests that this vital attribute is not as prevalent as one might assume.In essence, Voltaire's quote encapsulates the observation that a significant portion of the population lacks the capability to think critically and make logical decisions. Many people seem to disregard or overlook the importance of using common sense to navigate through life's challenges. This lack of common sense can manifest in various ways, such as making poor choices, falling for scams or misinformation, or failing to grasp basic societal norms and expectations.While this quote captures the essence of a prevalent issue in our society, it also opens the door to a broader philosophical concept known as solipsism. Solipsism is the belief that only one's mind is sure to exist, and everything else, including other people, may be mere figments of one's imagination. Introducing this concept into the discussion adds an unexpected twist and further enhances the intrigue of the article.In contrasting the two ideas, it becomes clear that solipsism represents an extreme departure from the concept of common sense. While common sense revolves around the practicality and rationality of human existence, solipsism takes a more radical and almost isolating approach, suggesting that the external world may not even exist beyond one's own subjective experience.Despite the stark contrast between these two concepts, there are interesting parallels to explore. Both solipsism and the lack of common sense can lead to a disconnection from reality. While one perspective stems from an individual's inability to reason, the other originates from an overly skeptical and self-centered mindset. Both concepts challenge the notion of a collective and shared reality that is commonly taken for granted.Although the idea of solipsism may appear far-fetched and abstract, it serves as an extreme example to highlight the significance of common sense in our lives. It underscores the importance of critical thinking, logical reasoning, and a shared understanding of the world around us. Common sense acts as a unifying force that allows individuals to navigate society, make informed decisions, and maintain a semblance of order.In a world where misinformation spreads rapidly through social media, conspiracy theories gain traction, and logical fallacies pervade public discourse, the need for common sense becomes increasingly vital. The quote by Voltaire serves as a call to action, urging individuals to uphold the value of reasoning, critical thinking, and rationality in their lives. It reminds us that common sense is not a given; rather, it is a quality that needs to be cultivated and nurtured.In conclusion, Voltaire's quote, "Common sense is not so common," succinctly summarizes the dearth of rationality and practical judgment in society. By introducing the philosophical concept of solipsism and contrasting it with common sense, we gain a deeper understanding of the importance of reason and logical thinking. While solipsism represents an extreme departure from reality, it serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of disregarding common sense. In a world where misinformation and skepticism abound, the quote by Voltaire serves as a timely reminder to value and nurture the quality of common sense in our lives.