Common Sense, an uncommon history

Once in awhile, people try to end a debate simply by throwing out the phrase: “It’s just common sense.”

And while I appreciate Thomas Paine's contribution to America, I’m not a fan of people using the phrase thinking it should end a debate. Disagree with me if you choose, based on your own beliefs and experiences, but don’t use common sense as an end-all-be-all argument. It’s pretty weak. And I imagine that’s why so many politicians are prone to rely on it as a talking point.

Common sense is what the majority of people believe is accurate and just. And while I’m sure there is actual common sense that exists – like animals will eat you if you die in the woods – a lot of “common sense” statements are just social mores and political beliefs that ebb and flow.

Sometimes, I hear people suggest we should go back to the days of our Founding Fathers and reboot our society from 1776.

I think we’ve -- in general -- progressed, and I believe that’s a good thing.

Common sense isn’t a law of nature. It is, by my simple definition, what most people think makes the most sense. And, as a law of nature, what most people think makes the most sense is going to change with time. Education and health improve. Common sense evolves.

Let’s look at a recent history of common sense, going back just 2,000 years.

Common sense, 2010 - We can trust and trade with Russia and China, in general.

Common sense, 2005 - With modern technology, offshore drilling is safe and clean.

Common sense, 2000 - Turmoil in Afghanistan doesn’t really affect us.

Common sense, 1995 - Gays shouldn’t marry, for the children.

Common sense, 1990 - Gays in the military will undermine the mission.

Common sense, 1985 - HIV could be spread by casual contact.

Common sense, 1980 - Communists are a bigger threat than religious fanatics.

Common sense, 1975 - With modern technology, nuclear power is safe and clean.

Common sense, 1970 - Interracial marriage should be avoided, for the children

Common sense, 1965 - The youth can change the world for the better.

Common sense, 1960 - Cigarettes are not bad for you. Doctors even enjoy them.

Common sense, 1955 - Separate but equal education is, in general, OK.

Common sense, 1950 - Interreligious marriage should be avoided, for the children.

Common sense, 1945 - Blacks aren’t brave or smart enough to serve in the regular military.

(Army Pvt. George Watson, Medal of Honor recipient for actions of 1943.

Died saving several troops in sinking ship)

Common sense, 1940 - Europe can handle its war problems on its own.

Common sense, 1935 - Jews probably deserve the problems they get.

Common sense, 1930 - Turmoil in Germany doesn’t really affect us.

Common sense, 1925 - The Theory of Evolution shouldn’t be discussed in high school.

Common sense, 1920 - A prohibition of alcohol will be good for the country

Common sense, 1915 - Europe can handle its war problems on its own.

Common sense, 1910 - Issues of a sexual nature have no business in public discussion.

Common sense, 1905 - Women’s sufferage is a state issue.

Common sense, 1900 - We can trust and trade with Russia and China, in general.

Common sense, 1890 - Mormons are a cult.

Common sense, 1880 - Southerners can be trusted to rebuild the South.

Common sense, 1870 - Northerners can be trusted to rebuild the South.

Common sense, 1860 - Depression is a sign of insanity.

Common sense, 1850 - Immigrants like Irish and Chinese are only good for hard labor.

Common sense, 1840 - Indians need to move West; they don't know how to use the land.

Common sense, 1830 - Slavery is a state issue.

Common sense, 1820 - Issues in southern states don’t affect the rest of us.

Common sense, 1810 - Rights belong to men who are property owners.

Common sense, 1800 - Bloodletting is a good treatment for most ailments.

Common sense, 1750 - Being a British colony is, in many regards, a good thing.

Common sense, 1700 - Indians need to move West; they don’t know how to use the land.

Common sense, 1650 - A witch is a true threat and should be prosecuted and killed.

Common sense, 1600 - Slavery is good for economics and blacks don’t know any better.

Common sense, 1500 - The Pope is to be trusted, no matter what.

Common sense, 1450 - The Earth is the center of the universe and all revolve around it.

Common sense, 1400 - The Earth is, likely, flat.

Common sense, 1300 - Plagues are a sign God is angry with us.

Common sense, 1200 - The King is to be trusted, no matter what.

Common sense, 1100 - Christians should be in charge of the Holy Land.

Common sense, 1000 - Suffering from seizures is a sign of possession.

Common sense, 0500 - Rome will never again have any influence on the world.

Common sense, 0400 - Despite setbacks, the Roman Empire will rise again.

Common sense, 0300 - A Christian is a true threat and should be prosecuted and killed.

Common sense, 0200 - Despite setbacks, the Roman Empire will never fall.

Common sense, 0100 - Christians are a cult.

Common sense, 0000 - To please God, make a blood sacrifice.