“Nothing is more fairly distributed than common sense: no one thinks he needs more of it than he already has.”
- March 31, 1596 – February 11, 1650
- French
- Philosopher, Mathematician, Scientist, Father of Modern Philosophy
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Quote
“Nothing is more fairly distributed than common sense: no one thinks he needs more of it than he already has.”
Explanation
In this wry remark, Descartes draws attention to a universal illusion of human judgment—that everyone believes they possess sufficient common sense, regardless of how wisely or poorly they actually think. The phrase “fairly distributed” is ironic, as it implies that while everyone assumes they have enough, this belief often stems from overconfidence rather than accurate self-assessment. Descartes uses this observation to subtly critique the complacency that hinders true intellectual growth.
This quote appears at the opening of Discourse on the Method, where Descartes introduces his philosophical approach. Writing during a period of intellectual upheaval, he challenges the reader to rethink their assumptions and embrace a methodical pursuit of knowledge. By pointing out this shared human bias, Descartes encourages humility and a commitment to disciplined reasoning, rather than relying on what one simply assumes to be “common sense.”
In modern life, this insight resonates deeply with issues in cognitive bias, confirmation bias, and public discourse. From politics to everyday decisions, people often cling to their own sense of reason, assuming it is more accurate or virtuous than others’. Descartes’ quote reminds us that true wisdom begins not in believing we are already rational, but in questioning how well we actually think, and striving constantly to refine our judgment through reflection and method.
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