The Myth of Common Sense: Why We Need Practical Understanding and "Uncommon Sense"

 A person deep in thought, trying to figure out the sense of something. Image couurtesy of DALL-E Open AI

Introduction

How many times have you heard someone say, “It’s just common sense”? The phrase is used as a catch-all to suggest that something should be obvious to everyone. But is common sense really common? And is it always reliable?

In reality, "common sense" is often misunderstood and misused. What one person considers common knowledge might be entirely foreign to someone else. Instead of depending on this vague and subjective term, we should focus on practical understanding—a more accurate and useful approach to problem-solving and reasoning. And in some cases, we need uncommon sense—the ability to think beyond what’s obvious or widely accepted to arrive at deeper, more insightful conclusions.

The Problem with "Common Sense"

1. Common Sense is Subjective

What seems like common sense to one person might not be obvious to another. For example, a tech-savvy individual might assume that everyone knows how to troubleshoot basic computer issues, but for someone without that experience, even simple tasks can be confusing.

Different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences shape what we perceive as “common knowledge.” This subjectivity makes common sense an unreliable guide for decision-making.

2. Common Sense is Often an Excuse

People sometimes use "common sense" as a way to dismiss others’ perspectives or knowledge gaps. If someone makes a mistake, they might be told, “You should have used common sense,” instead of being given helpful guidance. This can shut down learning opportunities and create an environment where people feel ashamed to ask questions.

Instead of demanding common sense, we should encourage practical understanding, which acknowledges that knowledge is acquired through experience and education, not assumed to be universal.

3. Common Sense Can Be Wrong

Many ideas that were once considered "common sense" have since been proven false.

• The Earth is flat – This was once considered obvious, yet science disproved it.

• Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis – A widely held belief, but research has shown no direct link.

• More sugar means more energy – While sugar provides a quick spike, it leads to crashes rather than sustained energy.

These examples show that what we think of as "common sense" can often be outdated, incorrect, or misleading. Instead, we should rely on practical understanding, which is built on facts, reasoning, and adaptability.

The Case for "Uncommon Sense"

What is Uncommon Sense?

If common sense is what most people assume to be true, uncommon sense is the ability to challenge those assumptions and see beyond them. It’s the kind of thinking that allows people to break from conventional wisdom and discover new possibilities.

Some of the greatest breakthroughs in history were made because people dared to question "common sense" and instead embraced uncommon sense:

• The Wright Brothers – Common sense said humans couldn’t fly. Uncommon sense led to the invention of the airplane.

• Einstein’s Theory of Relativity – Classical physics was considered common sense until Einstein’s uncommon thinking reshaped our understanding of time and space.

• The Civil Rights Movement – Many people believed segregation was just the way things were. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. used uncommon sense to envision a world where equality was possible.

Why Uncommon Sense Matters

Uncommon sense is essential for innovation, progress, and problem-solving. It allows us to:

• Challenge outdated beliefs – Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the best way.

• Think critically – Instead of accepting information at face value, uncommon sense encourages us to dig deeper.

• Find creative solutions – Uncommon sense helps us look at problems from new angles and develop ideas others might overlook.

When we move beyond just common sense and embrace both practical understanding and uncommon sense, we unlock the ability to think independently and make truly informed decisions.

Conclusion

"Common sense" is not as common—or reliable—as we often assume. It is subjective, often used as an excuse, and sometimes just plain wrong. Rather than expecting people to automatically know things, we should prioritize practical understanding, which is based on learning, experience, and critical thinking.

But we shouldn’t stop there. In a world that changes rapidly, we also need uncommon sense—the ability to think outside the box, challenge conventional wisdom, and create new possibilities.

Next time someone says, "Use common sense," consider whether they really mean practical understanding—or whether the situation calls for a little uncommon sense instead.

What do you think? Have you ever had a moment where uncommon sense helped you see something others missed? Share your thoughts below!