“Philosophy is common sense with big words.”
— James Madison
Simplified Meaning:
Philosophy is like common sense, but it uses more complicated words to describe ideas that many people already think about. Imagine you know that being kind to others is important. This is a simple idea, and it just makes sense. Philosophers might call this idea "ethical behavior" and talk about it in a fancy way, but at its core, it’s still about being kind. For example, you might say, "It’s good to share with others." A philosopher might discuss "altruism" and the reasons why sharing is good for society. The main message is still about sharing, but the words are more complex. Using philosophy can help people think deeper about those simple ideas, but you don’t need to know big words to understand the essential point. Applying this to your life, remember that complicated language isn’t necessary to grasp important concepts or to know how to act in a kind and thoughtful way.