Sometimes it takes a parent’s wisdom—and one shocking moment on the street—to remind us why common sense matters more than degrees.
My dad, with his eighth grade education. would often confront my brother and I who both had doctorates and ask us this simple question: “Why don’t they teach common sense in college.” Neither one of us had an answer for that. Although he’s been dead for some years, his voice came back to me last night as I was out for a walk. I live in a quiet neighborhood and the street is not busy. Coming down the street toward me was a late model Lexus. There was nothing unusual about that. As the car drew closer to me, I noticed the driver. The driver was a seven year old girl (that’s my guess) who was sitting on her father’s lap with both of her hands on the steering wheel while her father I assumed worked the pedals. My first thought was this guy has no common sense. My second thought was unprintable.. For the sake of some entertaining his daughter, he was risking his daughter’s life, his life, and the lives of other people. Common sense is important. All it takes is a 10 second reflection on what could happen. Hey dad, thanks for the advice. I’ve learned most of it the hard way.
💡 Points to Ponder
- Is common sense something we’re born with, or something we cultivate through life’s hard lessons?
- How often do we prioritize “fun” or convenience over safety without stopping to think about the consequences?
- What role do parents and mentors play in shaping our ability to make sound, everyday decisions?
- Could schools or colleges integrate practical wisdom into their teaching—or is it something only real life can deliver?
- What “common sense” lesson have you learned the hard way that you wish someone had taught you sooner?
