In every generation, society produces educated people, skilled professionals, wealthy individuals, and influential personalities. Yet, despite the growth of knowledge, technology, and exposure, one thing still remains scarce among many people: common sense. This is why it is often said that common sense is not common. It exists, it is available, and it can be developed, yet many people either neglect it, ignore it, or fail to apply it in daily living.
Common sense is one of the simplest but most valuable gifts given to humanity. It is not necessarily about academic certificates, eloquent grammar, social status, or intellectual display. A person may possess numerous qualifications and still lack the wisdom to relate with people respectfully, make balanced decisions, or understand simple human realities. At the same time, another person with little formal education may demonstrate extraordinary wisdom, maturity, understanding, and good judgment in practical life situations. That is the power of common sense.By definition, common sense refers to sound, practical, and reasonable judgment expected from people in ordinary situations. It is the natural ability to think logically and behave responsibly without needing complex theories or specialised training. It helps people distinguish right from wrong, caution from recklessness, wisdom from foolishness, and maturity from childish behavior. Common sense teaches people to think before speaking, to act carefully before causing damage, and to understand consequences before making decisions.
In reality, common sense is visible in everyday conduct. It appears in the way people communicate, respond to issues, respect boundaries, manage relationships, and handle responsibilities. It reflects in punctuality, honesty, humility, patience, discipline, and emotional control. A person with common sense understands that not every argument deserves a response, not every opportunity is beneficial, and not every criticism requires hostility. Such individuals understand human feelings, social environments, timing, and the importance of balance in life.
One of the greatest signs of common sense is good attitude. Attitude determines how knowledge is used and how relationships are sustained. Intelligence without character often becomes arrogance. Exposure without humility can become pride. Wealth without wisdom may become oppression. But when common sense combines with good attitude, people naturally become approachable, respectful, teachable, and constructive.
Quite honestly, it is refreshing to be around people with common sense and good attitude. Such people create healthy environments where conversations become meaningful and productive. They listen to understand, not merely to respond. They are willing to learn, willing to improve, and willing to accommodate other perspectives without unnecessary hostility or envy. They are not threatened by the success of others because they understand that another person’s progress does not reduce their own value.
Unfortunately, envy and insecurity have destroyed many relationships, institutions, friendships, and communities. Many people are more interested in competition than collaboration. Some prefer pulling others down rather than improving themselves. Others constantly seek attention, validation, or superiority instead of wisdom and growth. These attitudes reveal the absence of common sense because sensible people understand that life progresses better through cooperation, respect, and continuous learning.
The modern world has also contributed greatly to the decline in the use of common sense. Social media has amplified noise over wisdom, popularity over character, and appearance over substance. Many people now pursue clout instead of credibility. They desire to be seen rather than to be useful. This is why society now witnesses many people who are “ever new but not growing.” They constantly chase trends, excitement, and public attention, yet lack genuine personal development, emotional maturity, or moral stability.
Growth is different from mere activity. A person may be busy every day yet remain stagnant in wisdom and character. True growth requires reflection, humility, correction, and practical understanding. Common sense helps people evaluate themselves honestly and make meaningful adjustments where necessary. It teaches moderation, self-control, and responsibility. It reminds individuals that success without integrity is dangerous and influence without character is destructive.
Another important aspect of common sense is receptiveness to learning. People with sound judgment never assume they know everything. They remain open-minded and willing to gain insight from others regardless of age, status, or background. Pride often blocks wisdom. Arrogance closes the door to learning. But humility allows understanding to grow. This is why people with common sense are usually easier to relate with. They do not unnecessarily complicate life. They value peace, understanding, and mutual respect.
In families, common sense preserves harmony. In leadership, it promotes fairness and stability. In business, it encourages honesty and sustainability. In friendships, it builds trust and loyalty. In society, it encourages order, tolerance, and coexistence. A society filled with people who possess common sense and good attitude will naturally experience less conflict, less corruption, less hostility, and more collective progress.
Sadly, many societal problems today are not caused by lack of intelligence but lack of wisdom and practical judgment. Many crises could have been avoided if people simply exercised patience, empathy, honesty, and foresight. Many broken relationships resulted from uncontrolled emotions, careless words, ego, and poor attitude. Many leadership failures stem from pride, greed, selfishness, and disregard for consequences. Education alone cannot solve these problems without character and common sense.
Common sense also teaches accountability. It helps people understand that actions have consequences. Sensible people do not constantly blame others for their failures while ignoring personal responsibility. They acknowledge mistakes, learn from experience, and strive to improve. They understand that maturity is not measured by age alone but by behavior, discipline, and emotional intelligence.
Indeed, common sense may not be common, but it is not entirely absent. There are still people of sound reasoning, balanced judgment, good character, and noble attitude. There are still individuals who value integrity above noise, wisdom above vanity, and substance above appearance. These are the people who inspire trust, preserve relationships, and contribute meaningfully to society.
The world needs more people who can think clearly, act responsibly, communicate respectfully, and live honorably. It needs people who understand that humanity is built not merely on intelligence but on wisdom, compassion, discipline, and mutual respect. Common sense may not make headlines, but it quietly sustains families, institutions, friendships, and communities.
Ultimately, common sense remains one of the greatest foundations for peaceful coexistence and meaningful progress. It is available
to all, but only valuable to those who consciously seek, develop, and apply it. Knowledge may impress people temporarily, but wisdom and good attitude leave lasting impact.
Therefore, beyond acquiring education, wealth, influence, or social relevance, humanity must return to the cultivation of sound judgment, humility, respect, emotional maturity, and practical wisdom. For in the end, a society rich in knowledge but poor in common sense risks confusion, division, and moral decline.
And truly, common sense is not common and not commonly used, yet it remains available to all, though unfortunately not sought by all. My observation!
-Chief Abiodun Lasile DL MnbR
Orunto Baalufe Owu Kingdom Abeokuta
