“Common sense should always be in great quantity, compared with the rest of one's intellectual stores”
— Philip Sidney
Simplified Meaning:
Having a lot of common sense is more important than having a lot of book smarts or fancy skills. Common sense means being able to make good decisions based on practical understanding. Think about someone who knows a lot about computers but doesn't realize they should avoid spilling water on their laptop. They might be very smart when it comes to computer programming, but they lack practical judgment. In everyday life, common sense helps you navigate situations that aren't covered by specific rules or knowledge. For example, if you see something dangerous, like a broken swing at a playground, common sense tells you not to use it. Smart people can sometimes miss obvious things because they're too focused on complex ideas. To apply this to your life, always try to stay practical and think about the most straightforward solutions to problems. It's great to learn and be knowledgeable, but everyday wisdom and good judgment will often help you more in real-life situations. Remember, it's about being wise in everyday moments and using good old-fashioned practicality.