This quote is a simple yet profound observation about the nature of common sense. It suggests that common sense is not just about knowledge or intelligence, but rather about perception and action. It’s about seeing things as they truly are, not as we wish them to be or as they appear to be at first glance. It’s about discerning truth from illusion, reality from fantasy, substance from superficiality.
The second part of the quote is about doing things as they ought to be done. It implies that common sense also involves practical wisdom or prudence. It’s about knowing the right thing to do in a given situation, and having the courage and the will to do it. It’s about acting in accordance with our understanding of how things are, rather than how we wish them to be or how they appear to be.
In today’s world, this idea is more relevant than ever. We live in an age of information overload, where it’s easy to get lost in the noise and confusion. It’s easy to be misled by false information, superficial appearances, and wishful thinking. Common sense is the ability to cut through all this noise and see things as they are. It’s the ability to discern truth from falsehood, reality from illusion, substance from superficiality.
In terms of personal development, this idea is also extremely relevant. It implies that personal growth and self-improvement are not just about acquiring more knowledge or skills, but also about developing our ability to see things as they are and to act accordingly. It’s about becoming more discerning, more prudent, more grounded in reality. It’s about learning to navigate the world with wisdom and integrity, rather than being swayed by illusions, fantasies, or wishful thinking.
In conclusion, this quote is a powerful reminder of what common sense really means and why it’s so important. It challenges us to be more discerning, more prudent, and more grounded in reality. It challenges us to see things as they are and to do things as they ought to be done.