Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote proposes a critical perspective on what we often refer to as 'common sense.' It suggests that much of what we accept as obvious or self-evident truths may not be universal realities, but rather prejudices or biases that we've unconsciously absorbed from our environment during our formative years.
The term 'prejudices' here doesn't necessarily mean negative or harmful biases, but rather uncritically accepted beliefs and attitudes. By the age of eighteen, many of our basic perceptions about the world are formed by our upbringing, social environment, education, culture, and personal experiences. These shape our common sense, our intuitive judgments about what seems right or sensible.
However, these judgments aren't always universally applicable or even accurate. They can be biased by our limited experience, or by cultural or societal norms that we've been conditioned to accept without questioning. Thus, the quote serves as a reminder to scrutinize our 'common sense' assumptions and to remain open to perspectives that challenge these assumptions. It's a call for intellectual humility, continuous learning, and the willingness to question and reassess our ingrained beliefs.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen." was said by Albert Einstein (Bio / Quotes). Albert Einstein was a German physicist and Nobel Prize winner who is widely regarded as one of the most influential scientists in history.
Applying the quote to your life
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Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
The quote "Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen" by Albert Einstein suggests that what we often consider "common sense" is heavily influenced by the prejudices and assumptions we've accumulated through our early experiences. A compelling historical example that illustrates this message is the entrenched racial segregation and discrimination that prevailed in the United States before the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
By the mid-20th century, many Americans, particularly those in the South, accepted segregation and racial inequality as "common sense." These beliefs were not born from objective reasoning but from a long history of societal norms and prejudices instilled from a young age. Children growing up in these environments learned and absorbed discriminatory attitudes as part of their everyday understanding of the world. For example, segregation laws, such as those that enforced separate schools and public facilities for Black and white citizens, were widely accepted as normal and reasonable by many, reflecting deeply ingrained prejudices rather than any inherent truth about racial equality.
It wasn’t until the Civil Rights Movement, driven by activists like Martin Luther King Jr., that these deeply ingrained prejudices were challenged. Through courageous efforts and powerful arguments, they exposed how these so-called "common sense" beliefs were based on flawed reasoning and historical biases. The movement ultimately shifted public perception, demonstrating how "common sense" can evolve and be questioned when subjected to new insights and moral clarity.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
Applying this quote to a real-life scenario involves recognizing that what we often consider "common sense" is shaped by our upbringing, societal norms, and personal experiences rather than objective truth. For example, in the workplace, an organization might have a prevailing "common sense" belief that certain types of management styles are most effective, based on traditional practices. This belief might be rooted in past experiences and ingrained assumptions rather than evidence-based research.
Imagine a company where the leadership believes that a strict, top-down management approach is the most effective way to ensure productivity. This belief might be considered "common sense" by the company's senior members, who were trained in this style and have seen it work in the past. However, newer research and innovative management practices suggest that a more collaborative and flexible approach could lead to better outcomes.
To apply the quote in this scenario, employees and leaders would need to critically examine the "common sense" management practices they follow and be willing to question and challenge these preconceived notions. By considering new evidence and alternative approaches, they can move beyond outdated prejudices and create a more effective and dynamic workplace. This shift requires openness to change and a willingness to adapt one's understanding based on new insights, rather than relying solely on inherited biases.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
