The Rarity of Common Sense and Its Recognition

The Rarity of Common Sense and Its Recognition

Have you ever thought, 'I had come up with that quote?' The sentiment that common sense is not so common is often attributed to the 18th-century French Enlightenment writer, philosopher, and wit, Fran?ois-Marie Arouet, known by his pen name Voltaire. This quote has resonated throughout the centuries and has been widely recognized. However, is this the case?

Voltaire and the Quote

Voltaire, born Fran?ois-Marie Arouet, was a prolific writer, historical commentator, satirist, and advocate for free speech. He was known for penning critiques, such as the famous line 'Common sense is not so common' in his Dictionnaire Philosophique Portatif, published in 1764. Despite his controversial works that often attacked established entities like the church, politics, and society, Voltaire was a central figure in the Age of Enlightenment, sparking discussions across salons and coffee shops.

Many attribute the quote to Voltaire, yet the original French text is difficult to trace. While there is much truth to the sentiment, it is intriguing to explore the origins of this famous saying before we attribute it solely to Voltaire.

The Origins of the Perception

Many people, myself included, thought that they had coined such a pithy remark. It is a testament to the truth in Voltaire's words that the notion of common sense being uncommon has become widely recognized. Unfortunately, common sense—while often essential—seems to be less prevalent than we would like to believe.

It’s a common adage to say that common sense is uncommon. While I agree that it is commonly recognized, I question its commonality. I prefer defining common sense as 'the wisdom of the common people' or 'ordinary sense' in contrast to the deep erudite knowledge possessed by highly educated individuals. If most people are not erudite scholars, they should be holders of common sense.

Furthermore, if common sense were truly uncommon, it would be an oxymoron. Yet, in reality, how often do people demonstrate good common sense, much less any sense?

A Tracing Back to Ancient Wisdom

To explore the idea further, one can look to ancient authors for earlier mentions of common sense. The Roman poet Juvenal is credited with a similar sentiment that predates Voltaire. His words, though not directly attributed to the common sense quote, carry a similar philosophical weight. While I couldn't find Voltaire's original French text, it would be fascinating to see how he giving the modern form to the sentiment adds to its appeal.

Thus, the rarity of common sense has resonated through time, contributing to the discussions of the Enlightenment era and continuing to be a topic of conversation in modern times. Whether credited to Voltaire or Juvenal, the notion that common sense is not ubiquitous yet profoundly important remains a timeless truth.