"常識は他の知的な蓄えと比べて常に多く持っているべきだ"

The heart of this quote is that common sense—practical, everyday wisdom—is incredibly valuable and should be abundant in our thinking and decision-making. It's saying that no matter how much knowledge we accumulate, if we don't have common sense, that knowledge won't serve us well.

Imagine you're a brilliant scientist. You know all the theories and equations, but if you don't know how to safely cross the street, all that intelligence won't do you much good in daily life. That's what the quote is getting at. It's emphasizing the importance of practical wisdom in navigating life's challenges and making sound decisions.

People have been talking about the value of common sense for ages. Think back to Benjamin Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanack" where he spouted pearls of practical wisdom like "a penny saved is a penny earned." Franklin was all about making sure that everyday smarts were as well-cultivated as book smarts. The idea isn't new, but it's timeless because it addresses a universal truth about human nature and society.

Now, let’s dive into a real-life example. Picture a highly educated doctor who's never learned how to manage his personal finances. He might excel in his medical practice, saving lives and advancing the field of medicine, but when it comes to paying bills, investing, or budgeting, he's lost. He might make a ton of money, but if he doesn't have the common sense to spend less than he earns, he could end up in financial ruin. This isn't just a hypothetical story—there are countless professionals who, despite their specialized knowledge, struggle with everyday common sense matters like managing money, maintaining relationships, or basic home repairs.

So how can we apply this wisdom in our own lives? First, recognize the areas where common sense is essential. This might include financial literacy, interpersonal relationships, or basic problem-solving skills. It's about being practical. You don’t have to be a genius to understand that spending more than you earn will get you into trouble, or that being rude to people won’t win you friends.

Second, don’t overlook the value of learning from everyday experiences. Read books that offer practical advice, listen to people who have a lot of life experience, and don't dismiss the simple, straightforward lessons. They often hold the key to navigating daily life more successfully than the most complex theories.

Imagine you’re on a road trip without GPS—just an old-fashioned map. You can have all the destination points marked out, but if you can't read the map or understand basic navigation, you’re stuck. You might have the most detailed map ever created, but without common sense to guide you—like knowing that heading north means you need to look at the top of the map—you won't get very far.

In short, common sense is like the North Star in a sky filled with constellations of knowledge. It's the guiding light that helps you use all the other stars (or bits of knowledge) effectively. So, cultivate common sense. Pay attention to the simple lessons life offers daily, and always keep it in plentiful supply—it'll serve you better than you can imagine.