Is 'common sense' just experience

[andyfinch]

I was thinking today (unusual occurrence ).

We have recently purchased a horse. I have read many posts and spoken to a number of people where the words 'common sense' are used. The implication being it should be obvious that horses behave in a certain way or solutions to horsey problems should be obvious.

Surely this type of thing comes from experience which at some point becomes instinctive ? To me it is common sense how to hang wallpaper but not everyone gets it, without a 100 page diy book !!!!

Thoughts welcome.

 

[scotsmare]

I think yes, a fair degree of experience comes into it.

 

[ibot]

i understand what you are saying but i think listening to your gut is also good and trust in yourself. when in doubt ask.....

 

[arwenplusone]

It is a combination of both in my experience.

Common sense will tell you not to walk behind a horse that kicks.
Experience of having done it and been kicked will tell you the same thing.
Those with no common sense may need the experience to get it into their heads

But (almost) everyone learns from their mistakes.

 

[PennyJ]

To some extent yes. I don't think you need to have a lot of experience under your belt for you to start to see a lot of matters as being "common sense" issues.

 

[SarahK]

No not always. In my experience most people have common sense whether they be experienced or not - however some people appear to have no common sense at all despite years of experience.

I know someone who has been around horses for longer than me but still cannot do the simplest of things without supervision despite being shown how to do it hundreds of times. They just appear to have zero common sense i.e. putting the horse in the field and not shutting the gate!!!!

This person did this last week and they have been around horses for at least 10 years. IMO that = no common sense whatsoever!

 

[hadfos]

[ QUOTE ]
It is a combination of both in my experience.

Common sense will tell you not to walk behind a horse that kicks.
Experience of having done it and been kicked will tell you the same thing.
Those with no common sense may need the experience to get it into their heads

But (almost) everyone learns from their mistakes.

[/ QUOTE ]
couldnt have put it any better