"عقل سلیم چندان رایج نیست"

Common sense isn't as universal as we'd like to think. At its core, this means that what seems obvious to one person might not be so clear to another. We often expect basic logic and practical decision-making skills to be widespread, but reality shows us otherwise. It's a reminder that people's backgrounds, experiences, and knowledge shape their understanding of "common" knowledge, creating gaps in what we assume to be universally understood.

Historically, this phrase is attributed to Voltaire, a philosopher from the Enlightenment era. He lived in the 18th century, a time when reason and logic were heralded as the highest virtues. Yet, despite the push for rational thinking, Voltaire observed that many people still made illogical decisions. This observation led him to highlight the irony: despite the emphasis on common sense, it was surprisingly rare.

Let's dig into an example. Imagine a workplace scenario. You'd think it's common sense to back up important files regularly, right? But let's say we have a project manager, Jane, who assumes everyone knows this. One day, a team member, Max, loses a week's worth of work because his computer crashes, and he didn't back up his data. Jane is frustrated – she thought it was obvious to save work frequently. But for Max, who’s new to the workforce, this wasn't ingrained behavior. This situation perfectly illustrates how common sense can vary greatly between individuals.

So, how can we apply this wisdom in our lives? First, never assume that your version of common sense aligns with everyone else's. In any group setting, whether it's at work, with friends, or family, take the time to communicate clearly. Spell things out, even if they seem obvious to you. Setting explicit expectations can save a lot of frustration down the road.

Now, picture this: You're planning a camping trip with a group of friends. Everyone's excited, but you’re the experienced camper in the group. To you, it’s common sense to pack essentials like a first aid kit, enough water, and a map. But your friend, Alex, who’s never camped before, might think a good book and a comfy sleeping bag are all that’s needed.

Instead of getting annoyed with Alex for not knowing the basics, think about the quote. To avoid mishaps, you send a checklist to everyone. You include items that might seem obvious, like a flashlight and rain gear. This approach ensures everyone is on the same page and ready for the adventure. By recognizing that common sense isn't universal, you prevent potential problems and make the trip enjoyable for everyone.

Think of it this way: it's about bridging the gap between different experiences and knowledge levels. When we understand that what we know isn't automatically known by others, we're more patient and better communicators. We create environments where everyone can operate on the same wavelength, leading to smoother interactions and fewer misunderstandings.

In the end, this concept is about empathy and effective communication. It encourages us to consider others' perspectives and to be clear and thorough in our explanations. So next time you find yourself thinking, "Isn't that just common sense?" remember that it might not be for everyone. And that’s okay – it’s just another opportunity to share your knowledge and bring others along for the ride.