Somewhere along the line, we stopped thinking. I don’t mean philosophy or high-level debate — I mean basic, everyday, “don’t lick the plug socket” sort of thinking.
Common sense. Remember that?
These days, it feels like common sense has packed its bags, moved out of the UK, and left no forwarding address. I’m convinced we now live in a world where people need warning labels on toasters and reminders that coffee is, shockingly, hot.
We Used to Just Know Things
When I was younger — which I accept was several governments ago — we didn’t need endless signage and three-page disclaimers. We didn’t need apps to tell us when to go outside or smart devices to remind us to breathe.
You used your head, you used your eyes, and you got on with it.
Now? People need tutorials on how to walk down the street without walking into traffic whilst watching videos of other people walking into traffic.
Signs of the Times (Literally)
I bought a pack of peanuts the other day — and on the back, it said: “Warning: May contain nuts.”
Well, I should hope so. I’d be far more concerned if it didn’t.
But these aren’t warnings for the wise — they’re disclaimers for the daft. Because someone, somewhere, once opened that packet expecting raisins and sued when they found exactly what they paid for.
Smartphones, Dumb Decisions
Technology’s made us smarter, right? Wrong. It’s made everything more convenient while slowly turning brains into porridge.
People don’t look up anymore. Can’t hold a conversation without glancing at their wrist. We’ve outsourced thinking to gadgets, and then wonder why nobody knows how to change a fuse or fry an egg without Googling it.
Bring Back the Basics
Here’s a wild idea: instead of teaching kids how to make a TikTok dance or write code at age six, how about teaching them how to cross the road without headphones in?
Let’s have a national curriculum module called “Don’t Be an Idiot 101”. Put it between English and Science. Maybe then, we’ll stop putting forks in toasters or calling 999 because someone’s takeaway is late.
In Conclusion
Common sense isn’t common anymore. It’s an endangered species, replaced by flashing lights, endless policies, and people staring at their phones while walking into lampposts.
I miss the days when people thought things through. When you could rely on a bit of grit, a bit of savvy, and the knowledge that putting your hand on a hot kettle might not be wise.
So I ask again…What happened to common sense?
If you find it, let me know.
I’ll be the one shouting at pigeons in the park.
