Among Friends

[Drythe]

When this topic comes up it frequently devolves into a discussion of those who have higher education and those who have common sense.

As others have said, the two are absolutely not mutually exclusive.  One can have both, or neither, or one or the other no matter the educational level. 

[Moonchilde]

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@Desert Lily wrote:

Some of the responses seem to demonstrate a lack of education and understanding of gifted people. Why would anyone want to degrade them?

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Because, innately, though they would go down swingin’ and breathe their last breath denying it, they feel inferior to others in some way. It’s no different than people who sneer at others in a wide variety of circumstances. People attempt to feel better about themselves any way they can.

[sunshine45]

i have used this as my signature line in years past......love this quote......miracle on 34th street.......

"Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to."

[candys mine]

Common sense vs. book learning huh?  Ever hear the joke about the guillotine and the engineer?  All the unfortunates are lined up waiting for the end.  The first one goes up, the blade comes down but stops inches from his neck. Well, its a miracle and he is let go.  The next one goes up, the blade comes down... same thing.  another miralcle and he is let go.  the engineer goes up looks at the guillotine and says,  " There's your problem, you've got a knot in the rope."  

[Rowan72]

No, it's not exclusive, though some may seem to excel in one quality or the other. I think it is largely overblown for whatever reason. 

Common sense, I think of as an outcropping of instinct that helps us to survive as individuals and make our way in the world somewhat. Seems to be an innate wisdom - you are born with this on some level, or sadly not. (Usually in those suffering disorders such as brain damage or those on the Autism spectrum, but not always.)

Common sense can and does greatly benefit those who go on to higher learning, through whatever means - including higher education. Self-awareness seems to be included, and so it can aid one in choosing the correct major(s) and in coping with the various stress factors that come with working one's way through their studies - then career choice(s). Practicality in regard to goals - recognizing one's limitations and strengths. This includes those who chose not to pursue higher education and opt for a trade, or finding their fulfillment as a wife and mother, etc. 

Of course many things can yet compromise one with both common sense and higher acquired intelligence, too. Inopportunities, traumas, abuses, physical, mental or emotional disorders that develop. None of which necessarily robs one of instinctual senses or intelligence, but may well hinder one's progress if not properly and successfully treated. That is a heartbreaking situation to witness. Great potential unrealized or utilized to satisfaction in life due to unfortunate circumstances often beyond their control. 

Sorry for the side-tracking. It touches me frequently as a teacher. 😢 Knowing both innate wisdom and acquired intelligence exists in a student, but they are - or become - compromised in their achievements. Many then judge them lazy or ignorant without bothering to know them better due to their "status" in life. Which ironically is the epitome of ignorance. 

[viva923]

some people have common sense some do not.

[deedledeedeedle]

On my first job straight from college I had a supervisor that met with me to "discover" my thought process, to make complex decisions when faced with an issue. I would have preferred to answer quickly, but after conversing for a couple of minutes I finally told her, "I don't sit and plot things out step by step, I just use common sense and go with it". She could not grasp the term 'common sense'. I wanted to say if you have to ask, you definitely don't have it LOL, needless to say that company wasn't a good fit for me.

There is no parity between intelligence and common sense, however, most of the intelligent people I know have zero common sense. (left vs. right brain?)

dee

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@qualitygal wrote:

What can you say about this?  Any quotes, or comments? 

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