Common sense Quote by Fulton J. Sheen
““Facts in our day are not the same as the facts in the time of Aristotle or Thomas Aquinas. But the principles by which these facts are interpreted have not changed, for common sense remains essentially the same throughout the ages.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Thinking Clearly, 2019
Fundamental principles of reasoning stay constant despite changing facts; timeless wisdom guides modern interpretation.
In simple terms: Principles stay same, facts change.
Key Takeaway
Apply timeless reasoning to new data.
Themes
philosophy
logic
history
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- Education
- policy analysis
- media reporting
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
Aristotelian logic
common sense
interpretation frameworks
Questions to Reflect On
- Which modern facts challenge old principles?
- How to balance tradition with innovation?
A Different Perspective
Historical context can limit relevance of ancient principles.
![“The 'words' of Augustine, Origen, Clement of Alexandria, St. John of Damascus, St. Thomas Aquinas, et al, may not have carried the weight of Canon, however they were neither paper-like nor mere 'pellets'." ~R. Alan Woods [2012]” quote by R. Alan Woods](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/461/r-alan-woods-1455_canon_the-words-of-augustine-origen-clement-of_1178430.jpg)
![“Saint Thomas Aquinas says, wisely, that the only way to drive out a bad passion is by a stronger good passion. The same is true of thoughts as of passions. When your mind wanders, like a child, your will must bring it back, like a mother. [. . .] The will-parent must discipline the mind-child…” quote by Peter Kreeft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/726/peter-kreeft-820_discipline_saint-thomas-aquinas-says-wisely-that-th_537121.jpg)
