Common Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Common sense is as rare as genius.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self-Reliance, 1841
Rarely do people possess both practical judgment and extraordinary talent together.
In simple terms: Common sense and genius seldom coexist.
Key Takeaway
Value and cultivate practical judgment.
Themes
wisdom
rarity
talent
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
aphilosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- leadership
- education
- innovation
- decision making
Key Concepts
philosophy
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we nurture common sense in gifted individuals?
- What systems support practical judgment?
A Different Perspective
Even with genius, lack of common sense can cause failure.
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
