Common sense Quote by Thomas E. Ricks
““As the sociologist Ann Swidler has observed, “common sense”is really just deeply embedded culture: “the set of assumptions so unselfconscious as to seem a natural, transparent undeniable part of the structure of the world.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The End of the War, Thomas E. Ricks, 2020
Common sense is actually cultural assumptions that feel natural and invisible, shaping how we view the world.
In simple terms: Common sense = hidden cultural assumptions.
Recognize hidden cultural biases.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- education
- policy making
- media analysis
- interpersonal communication
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do your daily decisions reflect hidden cultural norms?
- What assumptions feel natural but might be questioned?
Cultural assumptions can be harmful if unexamined.