Yesterdays post about empowerment contained the suggestion to practice common sense.  I received some excellent feedback questioning the validity of my recommendation.

After all common sense can be a very subjective term with a multitude of interpretations.   As a decision support tool, does it really have value or is it just an easy motherhood type recommendation.

In Principle

My intent was to consider the practice of common sense more as a principle and strategy than a definitive action.   Common sense is the ability to perceive, understand, and judge things in a way that is shared by nearly all people. (i.e., in common)

An individual feeling that something is the case is of course subjective to an extent.  Good sense is the ability to under those feelings that are shared by the majority.

This is not an absolute method to making the best choices but it is a validation technique with proven value.  Reacting the way most others would is often best (but not always)

Not Absolute

The practice of common sense needs to be considered as a guide not the definitive way to decide how to proceed.  The approach is just one of many ways you can help validate the veracity of your conclusions.

While this is not a litmus test which will always lead to the best results casting aside common sense can lead to disastrous results.

For example, each year the Darwin awards go to people who have lost their lives through silly actions.   Clearly they were not practicing common sense and if they had, they may still be alive today.