“Common sense is not so common.”
- November 21, 1694 – May 30, 1778
- Born in France
- Philosopher, man of letters, historian
- Wrote many works, including “Philosophy of History,” “De Toleration,” “Philosophical Dictionary,” “Philosophical Letters,” “Oedipus,” and “Candide,” and is known as a pioneer of Enlightenment thought.
Quote
“Common sense is not so common.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Voltaire’s ironic observation about the rarity of practical, sound judgment. He suggests that, despite the widespread belief that common sense is easily accessible, it is in fact quite uncommon, often overlooked or undervalued. Voltaire’s words highlight the gap between what is theoretically “obvious” or practical and what is actually recognized or applied by many people in real-world situations.
In modern contexts, this idea resonates with the frequent challenges of decision-making and problem-solving in everyday life. While common sense is often considered a natural, intuitive ability, it is sometimes absent in situations where logical or practical action is needed, such as in politics, business, or personal relationships. Voltaire’s quote reminds us that even though we may take common sense for granted, it is not always as prevalent or widely applied as we might think.
A specific example of this principle can be seen in how certain issues or decisions are approached in public discourse. For instance, policies or practices that seem straightforward and reasonable to some people may be ignored or misunderstood by others due to a lack of common sense or practical thinking. Voltaire’s statement serves as a reminder of how important it is to cultivate and value practical wisdom, recognizing that it is far less common than we might assume.
