A Case for burying COMMON SENSE

By: Phyllis Hampton
October 29, 2010

If we heroes are going to positively impact humanity, we have to consider that perhaps it might be time for “Common Sense” to give way to its first cousin, “Good Sense,” who has been waiting patiently in the wings.

At whatever station we inhabit as a hero – the US of us (diaBLOGue V), the Firestarter (diaBLOGue III), and/or the Hero-At-Large (diaBLOGue II), it will serve us to make the distinction between Common Sense and Good Sense. For most in mass consciousness, these Sense cousins are the same, but for the diaBLOGue hero, there is an important subtle difference.

My perspective of the phrase Common Sense is that it implies those certain reactions to situations that are “commonly” agreed upon to keep the individual safe and comfortable. Viewed in a broader light, Common Sense doesn’t really allow for exceptional thought and action. In actuality, it can keep one stifled and stuck. If Common Sense has impressed upon you that you will only feel safe when you don’t talk to strangers, what kind of expansive opportunities are then available to you? Or if it dictates to you that you must stay in a job that is making you physically or emotionally ill because you believe only it provides you with superfluous things you think you need, what is the trade off? What kind of impacting and growthful experiences could you have instead, when you find yourself in a moment that is pregnant with new opportunities to go beyond the limiting box offered by “Common Sense?”

In considering the “good” of Good Sense, we must explore a more heroically based meaning of that word that goes beyond common assumptions. These notions might include: don’t say bad words; don’t be aggressive; don’t disappoint anyone; do nice things and please others; behave in a perfect manner; don’t hurt anyone’s feelings; etc. “Good,” in the heroic context, means being authentically helpful, both to you and to another or others. Good Sense has many of the sensible qualities of Common Sense, but without its blanket assumptions. Good Sense does require of heroes to be kind, have appropriate manners and to not be reckless, but also allows for wise exception. This is another way of saying that Good Sense inherently includes the ability to make uncommon decisions by discerning what is truly healthy and helpful.  Good Sense goes beyond the safety and comfort at all costs offered by Common Sense and is guided instead by more altruistic motives.

It is time for us to observe and appropriately challenge those perceptions and conceptions of Common Sense that have unconsciously controlled much of our thinking and actions. Instead, all heroes are urged to be guided by Good Sense. Their heroic stations in humanity necessitate surpassing Common Senses’ isolating self-centered comfort and safety concerns at all costs.

Good Sense includes the understanding that the welfare of other living beings and things must be considered as a matter of course. The fragile balance of humanity depends upon it.

© Joyful Orange Productions, Inc. 2010

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