Common Sense, is it something you are born with?

Question

I firmly believe that common sense is NOT something you can be taught. I have friends who are book smart from the word go, but when it comes to everyday life situations, it's like they are 3 year olds. How can you make someone be more aware in everyday life situations? I can pretty much point something out from a mile away, so my common sense skills are top notch, so it drives me insane when someone lacks this ability.

For example, something as small and insignificant as turning on the water to prepare themselves for a bath... They want ME TO turn on the hot water, because they don't know if the left or right one has the hot water in it. Or dishes for example. When they do dishes, it's like they had a blindfold on ..they don't apply pressure to the plates and bowls, to get the grime and dirt off..ugh! i feel horrible for feeling that way about them, but god... I feel like I have to go behind them to get anything done!

Answer 1

No it is not something you r born with! Certain people see the world in ways that make it easier to obtain this wonderful wisdom, but commonsense comes from life experience or plain innocese. Children have an abundance of common sense but we look at what they are saying and respond with "kids say the darndest things!" In all actuality kids just respond to their enviornment and their own experiences with out over intellectualizing things. The same for the adult that has a great amount of common sense. They just look around at how things work and respond accordingly. Too many "smart people" try to pick things apart so much that the lose the ability to see the big picture and the right responses to the enviornment.

Answer 2

I have it, Common Sense that is. I understand your frustration and sympathize with you. I have wondered the same thing many times, but mostly it is with stupid drivers. People don't look, no one pays attention, doesn't matter if you are at a red light, highway, parking lot, it is all the same. You can show these people who lack the Common Sense gene as many times as you want but until they figure it out on their own (if they ever do) but it is ultimately up to them. And it is just not about drivers, it is common courtesy of respecting everyone, don't just cut in line, walk against normal traffic flow, place a hot pan in the sink while I am rinsing my face (yes this happened and yes I was in the kitchen - taller counter top) as I had two of my fingers singed... I was pissed on that one. Either you have it (& your lucky) or you don't (unlucky)...

Answer 3

Common sense is the least common sense there is. Ever wonder why instructions are so specific? Ever watch bloopers on tv, the greatest compendium of human stupidity?

Some people are able to judge situations faster than others. To some the answer is obvious, others can't do it. They need explaining. I teach my kids through examples and through a lot of explaining.

Answer 4

If you end up doing everything yourself, your friends may be smarter than you. Don't let it drive you nuts.
Find an area where you aren't so sharp and get their help. Maybe they realize you have good common sense, and it drives them up the wall because you're not well educated or as book smart as they.
You must all have a good thing going if you are friends in spite of your differences.

Answer 5

Common sense must be learned. Yet some people don't care about common sense. They like taking risks, not knowing or caring about the consequence they must face afterwards. Common Sense is knowing right from wrong , what can hurt you or cannot hurt you, and some people are considered " a fool"

Answer 6

I think as a child, it was then we learned a form of common sense. Parents say, "Don't touch the stove it's hot." It took us one time to get the message. We gradually matured and learned futher in decision making, could be the wrong or right choice. You had to have a degree of common sense then as well I feel it is something we learn.

Answer 7

book smart folks-they rely their special ability to absorb what they read and apply it to the subject matter. they also not expose to the outside world that is why they are not familiar with the street wise/smart. have you seen them go outside of their ream? they surrounded with same species, love to read from morning till night, find them in the library and always visit the book store. this way, they cultivate their vast knowledge for some more important information out there. they tend to personalize their ability and achievement.

regarding common sense, you apply what your thoughts supply you in that instance. these people is awesome, alert and always willing to lend their knowledge to others who needs their specialty on the subject. they always fiddle around to find other interesting matter to grasp to add to their inner mind. reading is their talent as well, except, they tend to analyze all the whats and ifs about the subject in a flash.

but then, both is great cause they can talk about each other expertise, that is where they learn what is lacking on each others special way.

Answer 8

Find an area where you aren't so sharp and get their help. Maybe they realize you have good common sense, and it drives them up the wall because you're not well educated or as book smart as they.

Answer 9

Common sense is something you get with hands
on training. That is what they get when they
are growing up from their parents. But if they
came from a home where their parents did everything for them then they did not have this
hands on training and they grew up with no
common sence. Now they depend upon peopel around them to help them with things.

Answer 10

Common sense is not alot different than a God given "gift". Some of us have it and some really honestly have a harder time with judgement. But this does not excuse anyone from trying to better themselves.