Common sense in us as individuals is one of the basic characteristics which affect the existence of common sense in all segments of society. It is also true that the existence of common sense in all segments of society affect the common sense in us as individuals. This statement may appear to be contradictory but in effect we are affected by the activities of those around us. Sometimes this is positive, and sometimes it is negative. Regardless, we are in control of how we think and react to situations created or taking place in the environment around us. This article is about the importance of common sense and how it affects everything around us and in every segment of society.

There are three main areas which will be covered in this article regarding the existence of common sense. The first is us as individuals. The second is common sense in business and the last is common sense in politics. This last one may be questionable for some, as we sometimes feel that common sense does not exist in politics based on the actions and decisions being made. This article will address this feeling we sometimes may have regarding politics. The present opinion of politics - and those who are involved in it - is at a low point. I feel this is largely due in part to the principles of common sense.

The first aspect to discuss is the definition of what common sense represents. Some of the actions we take as individuals to us may be considered common sense based on our understanding of the facts involved. This conclusion may not always agree with others perception of the issues involved in making the decision. According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of common sense is sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts. This is a basic premise in making any decision that it be based on the facts and our understanding of them. There are many sources of definitions for this term, but they basically amount to one simple fact that they are based on sound judgment associated with our perception of the facts.

There is one thing that must be remembered in discussing the concept of common sense in us as individuals. We must remember that we are individuals with different character qualities. These can be or have been affected by the way in which we were raised by our parents. Our environment, with all the qualities and experiences we encounter in our daily lives, shape who we are. Common sense as an individual is something that not only affects society but it affects the relationship we have with our families and friends. In some ways, common sense relates to the principles of integrity in that sound decisions must be made based on all the facts for each situation. Making decisions involves judgment and making the right ones involves common sense. Sometimes we as individuals make decisions which sometimes appear to not be logical and may be questioned by others. To further explain our decisions which affect others appears to not have the characteristics of common sense as the decision does not make sense. Though there are times when decisions may appear to not make sense, but they are the right ones to make given the situation and the facts.

The existence of common sense in business is accomplished by our individual efforts. Common sense is important in the business world, as not having it can affect the success or failure of a business enterprise. Making common sense decisions as individuals becomes more important in the world of business. They take on greater importance, as they can affect how well a business is received by the public, both for the products and services, but also customer service. Those in management or supervisory positions in business make difficult decisions every day. Difficult decisions are made all the time and how they are made impacts not only their employees but the general public perception regarding the principles to which they operate.

The last area to discuss is politics and the existence or non-existence of common sense involved in the decisions made by our elected or appointed officials. Like business, common sense in politics affects every individual who is represented by the legislative level making the decision. Granted, there are difficult decisions to be made in the current environment in which we find ourselves. It is equally more important in the political circles that any decisions made at all levels of government have common sense engrained in them.

Decisions made at any level of government which does not make sense will be questioned by those they represent. When those questions are raised, those government officials better have the right answers. The current healthcare reform activity is raising lots of questions which is the right of the people to do so. Sometimes the approaches in politics being taken have a history of working in past situations and it may make sense to take the same approach in some cases. However, situations change, and the same outcome may not be achieved given the different set of circumstances. Politics is a difficult environment and there are many pressures on our elected officials to make what they feel are the right decisions. Common sense must be a part of that process.

Logical decision making by our elected officials is something that appears to be lacking of late, but in many cases we are not privy to all the details involved. There are, however, subjects which the people have a right to know, especially in areas such as healthcare, why certain decisions are being pursued. There have been reports from all sides that there is miscommunication involving details of healthcare reform proposals. I say proposals as there are currently multiple pieces of legislation associated with healthcare reform. This is not a bad thing. It is important to remember that no one person or group of individuals have all the answers. It is important to not only have multiple suggestions from other elected officials, but also consider the opinions of the public they serve. The need for healthcare reform is not in question, but what will be changed and will it create a better situation than we currently have. Another portion involved in healthcare reform or any legislation is the cost of maintaining such requirements. Money must be available to pay for any legislation that is enacted into law without creating more deficit. This is something that would be considered to be a common sense decision.

Common sense as discussed in the above paragraphs has an impact on all segments of society. It impacts our daily lives when it exists and when it does not. Let us remember the principle one person can make a difference. If we engrain the concept of common sense in us as individuals it has an impact not only on us but society in general. Society, and all the segments which exist, are made up of individuals with their own characteristics and qualities. If we start to use common sense in what we do everyday, all segments of society will be impacted through our individual efforts. Individual common sense is a start. Our individual activities affect the segment of society in which we are a part. This can be business, politics, education or anything else with which we interact on a daily basis.

To make a point, I am not saying that there are no common sense decisions currently being made, but that society would be a better place today if common sense were involved in decisions of the past. We would not be in the current situation today if common sense existed more in the past functions of society. Common sense must be a part of our future to make the right decisions to make our country and the world a better place. This will not be easy given the habits of the past, but they must be made. Those involved in decision making, whether in business or politics to name two, must make common sense decisions which are based on sound judgment of the facts. Those facts must be accurate and complete or any decision made could be the wrong one. I call upon all those reading this article to consider how common sense decisions has impacted them today and how they could impact them in the future if they do not exist.